Chapter 97 Wandering Beast
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Meat…
Give me meat!
A hungry beast was searching for prey.
Following a faint scent, it crawled through the passage, and the strong smell of beastly odor began to fill the air.
Imagining the taste of the dripping blood of its meat made drool overflow.
As it reached an intersection, the beast confidently turned left.
The smell was stronger than before.
After walking for a while, it saw an entrance to a room ahead.
──There it is.
The beast let out a low growl and quietly dashed into the room.
At the back of the wide, rectangular room, it saw a black 4-legged creature walking with its back turned.
──Meat!
With a roar, the beast charged forward with all its might, and the 4-legged creature turned around.
It looked like a black horse, but in the center of its elongated face was a single eye as red as blood, about the size of a palm.
The 4-legged creature stood on its hind legs without trying to escape and let out a horse-like neigh to intimidate.
Standing up, the creature was taller than the beast, but the beast, dismissing it, swung its club.
A dull, heavy sound echoed as the 4-legged creature was slammed to the ground, and the beast threw away the club and pounced on it.
With its large hands, the beast pinned the toppled 4-legged creature down and sank its teeth into its belly.
Sharp fangs sank into the flesh, and the taste of blood flooded its mouth.
It made a squelching sound as it tore into the peritoneum and drove its fangs into the innards.
The taste of soft meat and hot blood spread in its mouth, and it devoured it eagerly.
The 4-legged creature twitched, but suddenly it dissolved into a black mist and vanished.
At the same time, the sweet taste and smell the beast had felt in its mouth disappeared like an illusion.
”GRROOOAAARRR!”
The beast let out a roar of anger.
──These ones are no good! They disappear as soon as I kill them!
Just a moment ago, the beast remembered there was meat right in front of it that wouldn’t disappear.
Those fragile ones were trembling, unable to move.
It couldn’t recall why it had overlooked such delicious prey.
If it turned back right away, wouldn’t it still be found?
Grabbing the club that had rolled on the ground, the beast slowly stood up and began to walk toward the exit of the room it had entered.
I’m going to sink my fangs into that creature’s neck and belly.
As the beast tried to imagine the taste of its blood, the creature in its memory let out a trembling voice.
”K…Kibakura…”
”!!”
With a clatter, the metal club rolled across the floor.
The beast covered its face with one hand, swaying unsteadily before dropping to one knee.
”Oh…I’m…!”
Kibakura Reiji.
The beast remembered that it was its name, as if struck by lightning.
Kibakura crouched down, desperately trying to hold onto its identity, which was being swallowed by hunger and a destructive impulse.
──Calm down! I have plenty of food. First, fill my stomach with something that’s not raw!
At that moment, a sultry woman’s voice echoed.
”Oh my, have you already turned into a Monster? That’s quite early, isn’t it?”
When the beast turned around, a woman wrapped in a purple robe stood at a distance.
Peeking out from the robe was a white summer sailor uniform, but her features and body were more like a mature woman than a girl.
”You…! From that time…!”
Kibakura glared at the woman as it stood up.
”Oh, you still have your identity. It’s been a while since First Dive, hasn’t it, Kibakura-kun? Long time no see.”
The woman twisted her eyes and grinned.
”You…! I didn’t hear anything about this! What’s going on!”
”Ahaha, did you think you could gain power without any risks? That’s the result you wished for.”
”Don’t mess with me! Take this off!”
As Kibakura placed a hand on its chest, where the buttons had burst open, a card floated up in the center of its chest.
”That’s impossible. That’s something you truly desired and obtained. It’s already rooted in your soul. If you try to forcibly remove it, you’ll die.”
”…Fine then, damn it!”
”Eh…?”
Kibakura grabbed the card stuck to its chest with its sharp-clawed hand.
With a crunching sound, the fingers dug into the chest, and blood began to flow.
”Gaaahhh!”
Kibakura screamed as it tore the card away along with the surrounding flesh.
”Nuuh!?”
However, the card that should have been torn away slowly floated back up over the wound.
”…Hmph, it’s useless. That card is my sacred artifact. You can’t interfere with it through physical means.”
The woman smirked mockingly, her face twisted in a grimace.
”Still, at what pace are you leveling up? Your school has a lot of troublesome people with strange suggestions, but you’ve taken care of your rivals, right?”
At her words, Kibakura bared his sharp fangs and curled his lips into a grin.
”…I see, so that’s your aim. Unfortunately, I haven’t killed a single one yet. I’ve been holed up in the dungeon the whole time. Once I kill all the annoying ones and stand at the top, the Academy will be in chaos.”
”…Wow, I thought you were just a violent idiot, but you’re surprisingly clever. Either way, you’re finished. You’d better take as many down with you as you can before you’re defeated. Even though you’ve drawn out the rare king-type power as per the ‘Beast King’ suggestion, you turned out to be useless. Well, that’s fine. I’ll just go after someone else.”
With that, the woman turned on her heel and started to walk away.
In that moment, he quickly picked up a metal bat and lunged at her.
”Not letting you get away! I’ll kill you!”
* * *
”Ah!?”
”What’s wrong, Himeno-san?”
Satou Akari asked curiously as Asagiri Himeno suddenly stopped.
”I thought I heard a growl just now…”
Himeno scanned the front and back of the corridor cautiously.
”Really? I didn’t hear anything.”
Even as she replied, Akari also searched the surroundings for any signs.
Himeno’s vigilance made it clear that something was off.
Today, Tsuchimiya and Higurashi were out on errands, so Himeno and Kanon had joined Maekawa Hiromi’s party.
Himeno and Akari were currently out scouting together.
As Akari, she wanted to see Himeno’s Scout, who had more experience and a higher level than her, but it was completely unhelpful.
First, when Akari sensed the presence of a Monster, she tried to carefully gauge the number and types of Monsters, but Himeno charged in without hesitation.
No matter how many Monsters there were, she took them out in seconds.
Akari thought, “This isn’t the Scout I know.”
”…It seems it was just my imagination.”
”Yeah…”
Even while saying that, Akari couldn’t shake off her anxious feelings as she watched the tense atmosphere around Himeno.
”Let’s check the next room and then head back.”
”Got it!”
Even with such a huge gap in their abilities, Akari couldn’t help but think that Himeno, who genuinely respected her as her senpai with her cheerful demeanor, was really cute.
This was the Scout of Tsuchimiya’s party.
While feeling the stark difference, Akari vowed in her heart to grow in a way that wouldn’t be a burden to Tsuchimiya and the others.
* * *
Amahara-senpai straightened her disheveled clothes and helped me with my outfit, which I couldn’t move well in due to exhaustion.
When Ukita-senpai came to call, Amahara-senpai kissed me and then closed the curtain to respond.
In the meantime, I drank some recovery spring water, and while it made my hazy mind a bit better, my weak body remained the same.
Somehow, I managed to get dressed and stand up.
When I opened the curtain, I saw a grinning Ukita-senpai and a blushing Amahara-senpai walking toward me.
”Tsuchimiya-kun! Are you okay?”
Amahara-senpai rushed over and supported my swaying body with a hug.
”Yes. I’m fine now.”
”Ehehe. Tsuchimiya-kun, you did well. It seems like you were really put through the wringer. I cast the Silence magic near the entrance, so your voice didn’t leak out, so don’t worry.”
”Y-Yeah…”
”Shoko-chan!”
Ukita-senpai approached me with a laugh like a pervy old man.
I felt complicated emotions, but knowing that she didn’t realize she had let out girlish squeals made me feel a bit relieved.
”Uh, I’m going to take a shower first, so Tsuchimiya-kun, you can rest here.”
”Got it.”
”Oh, you could join me.”
”Shoko-chan!!”
Amahara-senpai’s face turned bright red as she scolded Ukita-senpai.
I sank into the sofa while Amahara-senpai grabbed her change of clothes and left the room with Ukita-senpai.
As I sank deeper into the sofa, I couldn’t help but remember Amahara-senpai’s embarrassing moments from just a little while ago, and I buried my head in my hands.
No, it was good.
Really good.
Amahara-senpai is cute.
It got a bit scary at one point, but that’s okay.
But what was with that final boss vibe, like Satou-san, even though it was my first experience? Is tomorrow going to be okay for me?
I tried not to dwell on tomorrow, but once I entered the “sage time,” my thoughts began to wander.
What does it signify that three out of the planned six members in the harem are the final bosses? It seems somewhat normal to encounter scenarios where two final bosses appear simultaneously.
Did you know? Actually, I’m still level one!
I feel like I’m going to keel over in my bed before even reaching the dungeon! I desperately need to level up!
Kondou-senpai! Is it cheating to gain levels now?! I never anticipated this kind of situation!! Sure, I vowed to clear the dungeon at level one, but surviving this harem as a level-one character feels even more impossible, right?!
As I plastered on a vacant expression and let out a dry laugh, Ukita-senpai arrived to inform me that the shower room was available.
The shower room was located at the end of the hallway, adjacent to this room.
Amahara-senpai had an urgent matter and headed toward the office instead.
The Student Council president really does stay busy, doesn’t she?
I rinsed off the grime and completed my shower in under ten minutes.
Feeling rejuvenated, I stepped out of the shower, only to find two third-year students waiting for me.
I recognized one of them as the girl from my previous visit.
The other guy greeted me with a friendly tone.
”Tsuchimiya-kun, Vice President Sogahara is requesting your presence. Can you head to the office?”
”Sogahara-senpai? Understood.”
Amahara-senpai had also mentioned something about going to the office for an urgent matter, so it seemed significant.
Guided by the senpai, I made my way to the office on the second floor.
The room was located at the far end of the hallway, opposite the conference room.
The senpai opened the door for me, but after I entered, they stayed behind, shutting the door firmly.
I had expected the room to be comparable in size to the conference room, but it was surprisingly compact—only about a quarter of the conference room’s dimensions.
There appeared to be another room in the back, indicated by a door on the far wall.
Inside, a large whiteboard on wheels stood against the right wall, and in front of it, four folding tables were arranged in a U-shape.
Seated at the tables were the Student Council officers.
At the rear desk sat Amahara-senpai and Sogahara-senpai.
On the right desk were the petite, delicate-looking Secretary Tsukuba and the bespectacled guy.
On the left desk were Ukita-senpai, Sugimoto-san with her chic ponytail, and Togamine, who exuded the elegance of a refined young lady with her rimless glasses.
At the center, Kijima-senpai had his back to the rest of us, and, for some reason, Higurashi was seated there too.
As I stepped inside, all eyes turned toward me.
It seemed they had been in the middle of a serious discussion, but Amahara-senpai briefly offered me a soft smile.
Meanwhile, Togamine’s expression hardened into a visible frown.
It made me wonder—did she somehow know about the intimate moment I shared with Amahara-senpai?
I hoped not.
Higurashi, however, turned around with a smirk that could only be described as knowing. She probably knew.
”Thanks for coming, Tsuchimiya-kun.”
”Please, take a seat.”
Sogahara-senpai and Amahara-senpai invited me to join, so I bowed my head and took the seat next to Higurashi.
”What’s this meeting about?”
”It just started, so sit tight and listen.”
I asked Higurashi in a low tone, but she curtly brushed me off.
Then Amahara-senpai addressed the group.
”Now that Tsuchimiya-kun is here, could you start from the beginning again for confirmation, Tsukuba-kun?”
”Of course.”
Secretary Tsukuba nodded and launched into the explanation.
”First, the abnormality occurred this afternoon. We had been monitoring the teleportation facility, keeping an eye on Demiurge. Kibakura typically switches out party members just before noon and in the late afternoon.
However, today, only two members from Fumioka’s party returned shortly after the switch. They then called in two other Kibakura-exclusive parties to dive. Since the members in the center of the teleportation magic circle were from Fumioka’s party, it’s certain they teleported to the 4th floor, where Kibakura is.
About 30 minutes later, some people returned. They gathered executives and members from the old Kibakura group, the rugby club, and also dove into the 4th floor. And that brings us to now.”
After Secretary Tsukuba finished speaking, Amahara-senpai took over.
”In other words, we can assume that some kind of abnormal situation has occurred with Demiurge. What’s important here is that the gathered members are limited to the core members of the old Kibakura group, who are very loyal.
This is an event they don’t want to leak to the outside. Or rather, it’s possible something happened that they don’t want known internally either. The fact that even executives diving were called back suggests it’s a serious matter of high urgency.”
Sogahara-senpai, resting his chin on his hands with his elbows on the desk, spoke up. Everyone had serious expressions, but he had a somewhat carefree and amused vibe.
”Well, we can’t say much until we see Demiurge’s movements. Still, we should prepare countermeasures within the range of what we can predict and, if possible, take the initiative. So, I’d like to hear everyone’s opinions.”
Glasses-kun responded to Sogahara-senpai’s words.
”Honestly, there’s too little information, so we can’t really tell what’s happening at this point. Even if we want to make predictions, we’ll need to observe Demiurge’s movements a bit more first.”
Everyone nodded at Glasses-kun’s reasonable opinion, but the atmosphere changed suddenly with Higurashi’s next words.
”For example, what if Kibakura-senpai died? Then Demiurge’s actions this time would make sense.”
”That’s a bit much… but as a reaction, I see…”
Sugimoto-san was about to deny it but fell silent. If we consider the situation Higurashi mentioned, then this kind of movement does make sense.
Amahara-senpai turned to me, seeking my opinion.
”Tsuchimiya-kun, from your perspective after reaching the 5th floor, what do you think of Higurashi-kun’s hypothesis?”
”Well… it’s true that stronger monsters appear on the 4th floor compared to the 3rd floor, but our party still has some leeway. It’s hard to imagine that Kibakura would get taken down.”
”However, since we’re dealing with life and death, you never know what could happen with just a small trigger or a moment of carelessness. There’s no such thing as absolute safety.
If he did die, the only advantage of gathering in the dungeon would be that outsiders can’t overhear us. The boys’ dorm room would suffice. So, it could be a bad situation where he’s missing or unable to return… It’s not just the executives; they’re quickly gathering multiple parties because they need manpower. A reasonable assumption would be that it’s a bad situation requiring discussions among the executives, along with him being missing.”
Higurashi’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she pondered. Amahara-senpai, resting her chin on her hand, spoke up.
”Hmm… I can certainly understand Higurashi-kun’s thoughts. If Kibakura-kun hasn’t returned by nightfall, it might be best to consider that direction. If that’s the case, what could happen next…”
As Amahara-senpai muttered this, she furrowed her brow. It seemed she wasn’t imagining a very good future. Then Sogahara-senpai, with a gentle smile and his usual airy demeanor, spoke up.
”Well then, if Kibakura-kun doesn’t come back, I think we should go check directly to see what’s happening.”
”Directly?”
Everyone tilted their heads and looked at Sogahara-senpai. He continued to speak fluently, as if trying to charm a woman.
”I think Kibakura-kun’s route progressed from the boss room on the west side of the area called 3E to the 4th floor. Since I was planning to challenge the floor boss on the 3rd floor tomorrow anyway, I thought we might as well change our route to that. That way, we can go see the scene directly, right?”
At that, Secretary Tsukuba gasped in surprise.
”Wait!? 3E is the area where the Demiurge are gathered! If Demiurge really intends to hide information, Sogahara-senpai approaching alone could make you a target. It’s dangerous!”
”While I do want confirmed information as soon as possible, Sogahara-kun stands out too much. I can’t let you go.”
Amahara-senpai agreed with Secretary Tsukuba. Then Togamine interjected.
”In that case, let’s assign two parties from my team. With three squads led by Sogahara-senpai, even the Demiurge shouldn’t be able to easily interfere.”
”That’s not good. We can’t afford to weaken the defenses of this headquarters right now.”
Sogahara-senpai rejected Togamine’s suggestion.
”Even so, my team will still have more than ten people, including the main unit. There haven’t been any suspicious movements from the Demiurge since then, and if an emergency arises, they shouldn’t have the luxury to attack us.”
”That’s not it, Hatsune. Until we know Kibakura-kun’s safety, we need to raise the alert level to the maximum.”
”Huh? What do you mean, Amahara-senpai?”
This time, Amahara-senpai denied Togamine’s counterargument.
”As you know, Demiurge is not a monolith. If Kibakura-kun, who holds it together, ends up in a situation where he can’t return, a civil war will likely break out. The executives are eager to achieve results to become Kibakura-kun’s successor. They want to do it faster than their rivals. The collapse of the Student Council would be a clear achievement for both inside and outside. Even if Higurashi-kun says Kibakura-kun goes missing and later returns, that would still count as an achievement and wouldn’t be seen as rebellion. Until we confirm Kibakura-kun is safe, we can’t let our guard down for even a moment.”
”…I understand. I didn’t think it through…”
Togamine visibly slumped her shoulders, looking dejected.
”No, I appreciate you actively sharing your thoughts. If Demiurge attacks and Hatsune’s team isn’t around, we won’t be able to hold out. I’m counting on you, Hatsune.”
”Y-yes! Leave it to me!”
Togamine blushed and responded happily to Amahara-senpai’s support. It really was clear.
”Now, about my plan, I’m thinking of setting off early in the morning before they dive. I’ll contact the supporters who are currently tackling the west side of 3E to get the lead man for teleportation and a map. Whether we find the boss room quickly is up to luck, but I plan to return by the morning, considering the possibility of an attack on the main building.”
It doesn’t seem to directly involve me, but since we’re not strangers anymore, I can’t help but be curious. Before I knew it, I had asked a question.
”Is it really that easy to find supporters tackling the west side of 3E?”
”Yeah. I keep in touch with them regularly to track Kibakura-kun’s movements, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Well, that makes sense. Still, Secretary Tsukuba expresses her concerns.
”If we still can’t find the boss room, we’ll have to retreat to the safe zone at 3E. That means the chances of running into Demiurge will increase. It’s definitely dangerous to charge into Demiurge’s territory with just a solo party. I think if we ask Haraguchi-kun, he might join us.”
”I want to keep him around because he’s a valuable defensive asset who can strategize. So, I’m thinking of asking Tsuchimiya-kun and the others to come along. What do you think?”
”Huh, me!?”
I was surprised by the sudden nomination and at the same time understood why I was called. This person had calculated all of this the moment they received the initial report.
”If Tsuchimiya-kun’s party, who broke through the 4th floor, comes, it would be reassuring. And if I’m with Tsuchimiya-kun, we probably won’t be bothered even if a crowd gathers. Of course, I don’t want to force you, but can I ask for your wish? I’ll treat you to burgers next time.”
Sogahara-senpai had a light tone, like inviting a girl on a date, with a sparkling smile. Amahara-senpai looked troubled, glancing between Sogahara-senpai and me. She wanted information from the scene but didn’t want to put Sogahara-senpai in too much danger, and it seemed she was also being considerate of me.
Even though it’s just a verbal agreement, it’s decided that the Student Freedom Alliance and the Student Council will work together. If we act together, we’ll have to reveal our strategies, but Sogahara-senpai is in the same boat. Plus, Amahara-senpai is already my girlfriend. If it helps her, I have no hesitation. Now, it’s just a matter of my party.
”Higurashi…”
”Ah, that sounds good, right? I can’t participate because I have other commitments, but there’s no need for Asagiri-san to worry, and with Watarase-san around, there shouldn’t be any student battles.”
Oh, right! If it comes down to it, we have Kanon’s mind control beam. The dangers I was worried about should be almost eliminated.
”Be careful not to just intimidate, or Watarase-san might seriously launch a flare bomb at a person…”
No way, I don’t think Kanon would do something like that.
”Sogahara-senpai, I haven’t gotten the other members’ approval yet, but I don’t think it’s a problem. I’ll take on that task.”
Higurashi replies to Sogahara-senpai on their own. I don’t really see myself as the leader, so it’s fine by me.
”Thank you! Higurashi-kun, Tsuchimiya-kun!”
Amahara-senpai bows deeply.
”Thanks. I’ll treat everyone to a meal next time.”
”Oh, I’m fine with just me.”
It’s a bit late to say this, but I feel uneasy about letting this person interact with girls.
”If Kibakura-kun doesn’t come back, we’ll dive at 5:30 tomorrow morning. Is it okay to meet at the teleportation facility?”
”Got it.”
With the condition that Kibakura doesn’t return, it was decided that I would head to the 4th floor with Sogahara-senpai.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply