Chapter 107 Return to the Surface
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”I just… can’t anymore.”
Himawari was captured. The entire awful situation was winding down now.
The rescue squad that came for me was terrifyingly strong. Every last one of them possessed a body’s bodyability that surpassed Trash-san’s, and they all wielded Psionic Power perfectly suited for combat.
The massive ventilation fan, the one that had been sucking the smothering mist into this shelter, was destroyed in a flash. The airflow stopped, and the fog thinned out immediately, dissipating into nothing. They were the elite of Kujukuri Town, assembled here, and the cleanup was over in the blink of an eye.
All that remained now was the eradication of the blue Maggots, the cocooned human beings, and the adult Butterflies. The nuclear core’s destruction was irreversible; this area, just endless flammable materials and rusted fixtures, would be neutralized into the least valuable, farthest-flung level of the nearby region. Positioned in the middle layer, the transportation cost would be far too great even to mine the scrap iron and concrete.
I suppose if someone searched hard enough, something might turn up—enough for an explorationist’s pocket change, perhaps. A level for scavengers, then. Or maybe for thieves and criminals looking to raid ruins.
I never did find out if this floor had been the ultimate fate of those people who failed to evacuate during the uncanny valley world. Or even if this place had any meaning at all, to begin with.
”I’m worn out. The dungeon is scary, after all. But the world outside is harsh too, isn’t it?”
Even if it isn’t as brutal as the dungeon, the road home—the places we’re returning to, alive—isn’t some gentle paradise.
If you’re born a townsperson, you die halfway to adulthood, killed by poverty or sickness.
If you’re born into a good family or with talent, you’re tormented by the burden of responsibility and expectation, dedicating yourself to men who give nothing in return, only to be wounded. Females can never escape the suffering that comes from seeking the opposite sex.
Do the females in this world even find life enjoyable? From their perspective, life doesn’t pull any punches.
”Young Master, how is your person’s physical condition?” Trash-san inquired, her tone professional and guarded.
”Thank you. I’m alright now,” I replied.
A night has passed since I was ripped away from Himawari. We’re being carried through the town of the Second Layer in the biggest basket we’ve ever used.
The basket is almost the size of a cow-drawn wagon, with enough room for a few people to ride inside. It’s like the kind Kaguya-hime rides when she returns to the moon.
A strong man is pulling the vehicle.
”I’m tired, but not really hurting. Maybe I gained a bit of strength? It’s because so many monsters died nearby.”
”Then that would be good, but… please tell us immediately if you are unwell,” Trash-san insisted, ever-vigilant.
”I will. I think it’s just a blessing in disguise, really. Physically, I feel quite light.”
I could sense my body growing stronger. My recovery speed had increased. I’m a very low-level Psionic Power user, so the wall to growth is low. Because I started out so weak, my bodyability has noticeably improved.
Though it’s probably a trivial gain compared to the female Psionic Power users. Still, I defeated the floor boss, didn’t I? Perhaps I’ve finally become strong enough to leave my starting town as an adventurer. The fever from my injuries had already subsided.
When I shifted, my joints ached. I knew I’d be hit by terrible muscle pain tonight, and that thought made me a little gloomy.
Flatty-chan and Trash-san helped me climb in from the back of the wagon and are riding with me. Both of them were quietly watching over me, seeing my dejection.
If only we could have used the elevator’s Psionic Power, but it can only go up or down one layer, and apparently, the user’s stamina is tapped out for now.
They’re dedicating their Psionic Power resources to transporting a large group, so their movement range and intervals are limited. It’s a powerful ability, but one with many conditions for activation.
Today, though, I was permitted to be in a confined space with young females. More than that, I was the one who wanted to be with someone.
”How much longer until we get there?” I wondered aloud.
Trash-san immediately picked up my question.
”We’ll reach the door to the First Layer in about half a day. Shall I have them stop if your body is suffering?”
”No, no. I don’t want to keep them held up in a place like this. Besides, I don’t much care for these ruins.”
We were returning surrounded by Kujukuri Town’s elite Psionic Power users.
I didn’t think the road back would be dangerous. They’d even allow us to take a break if I asked.
I was merely a poor male caught in a conflict due to the females’ circumstances. My Imperial Guard, and the people around us, would likely indulge most of my whims. But I couldn’t bring myself to wallow in self-pity.
The females around me were scraping by under much tougher circumstances than mine. Thinking of that, I couldn’t afford to be intoxicated by my own misfortune. Though, I suppose indulging in a bit of childishness is permitted, given the gender ratio.
When I was rushing around just to stay alive, I didn’t notice, but now that I’ve settled down, the things I did keep coming back. I killed monsters that were once human beings. And monsters that resembled human babies.
They were, without a doubt, the lowest form of life. Yet the feeling is still clinging to my hands. No matter how many times I tell myself that they were monsters, that foul sensation won’t fade. I open and close my hands, and I can still feel the oily texture of blood on my palms.
It’s like I’ve suddenly understood how flimsy the foundations of the world, of the everyday, peaceful life of a human being, really are. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the feeling of killing, but the shock of it—the ability to feel sensitive about a human dying nearby—that has been deadened.
Is this what people mean when they say going to India changed their life? Seeing dead bodies lying around, with dogs eating them… realizing a human being is just another type of animal…
I doubt I’ll ever return to my former carefree self. I had a strong feeling about that.
”…Young Master?”
I’ve caused so much concern to so many people. I might be locked away in the inner sanctum until adulthood this time.
”Um, are you okay?” Flatty-chan looked at me hesitantly, her large eyes full of worry.
”I was just spaced out a little.”
”Oh! T-that’s alright. Please, just rest easy and take your time,” Flatty-chan stammered anxiously, making me feel a bit sorry for her.
When I get down, the people around me sink too, so I need to be careful. She’s being involuntarily dragged down by my emotions.
”I was just thinking, what do females find fun in life? …Oh, wait, I’m sorry. So many people died. I think I’ve just been too close to it, and it’s made me dizzy.” I tried to shift my feelings with a joke.
”Something…?” she murmured quietly.
”Nothing at all. More importantly, I haven’t forgotten my promise to you, Flatty-chan.” I smiled, forcing it so she couldn’t see the strain.
From my perspective, with the exception of those immediately around me, I’ve never met a female who seemed truly happy from the bottom of her heart. If they become an aberrant Psionic Power user like Himawari and her group, they are despised.
If they have no visible changes, like Kaede-san and Kiri-san, they gain meaningless Psionic Power and are neglected by their masters. It seems there is no salvation on either path.
”It is fun to be alive!” she said simply.
”Oh… you heard that, didn’t you?”
”…Yes.”
Hugging her knees, Flatty-chan answered honestly, simply stating her truth.
”When I can talk and get a reply from you every day like this, it’s the best life ever. I can eat until my stomach is full, and I refuse to look back on what’s past.”
There was an undeniable joy in her words. It made me a little sad to hear such a straightforward, sincere statement from the always amusing, slightly dishonest, and emotionally rich Flatty-chan.
I looked out the viewing hole as a cool breeze blew in, and I saw the beautiful town of red, ruined buildings beneath a bright blue sky.
”I’m happy to be with you too, Flatty-chan.”
”Y-you are? Really? Hehe… that’s nice. You’re adorable, Young Master… so adorable…” The last part was a whisper, a private soliloquy.
While Flatty-chan beamed beside me, Trash-san continued to keep watch over our surroundings. Even inside the carriage, she didn’t let her guard down.
”The town is beautiful. Why do ruins always look so beautiful?”
”It is said that ruins possess the beauty of the sublime, Young Master,” Trash-san responded precisely to my vague comment. “It recalls both the self-reflection that human interactions must return to nature, and the sheer grandeur of the flow of time, connecting the past to the future.”
She always listens to what I say so carefully, and thinks before she answers. Even when I haven’t put much thought into my own words.
”It speaks of the anxiety that civilization has developed too far, that technology has advanced too much, and we’ve neglected something important. Are we moving too fast? Where do we stand now? Are we walking the right path?” Trash-san drew a sharp breath, gazing out at the scenery. It was a quiet, dead town.
”There is no one to teach us the answers to these questions. Nature, then, must be the answerer. Ruins, it is said, evoke a certain sense of regressive sentiment.”
Plants sprouting in a ruined city. Why does that sight strike such a deep chord? It’s not a difficult idea.
People have always said, The state is broken, but the mountains and rivers remain. It’s a comfort to see summer grass growing where human joys and sorrows once played out. Time heals sadness and pain. When a place becomes a ruin, when plants grow and animals reappear, human life resets once more. I thought, listening to Trash-san’s words, that this must be part of the truth behind the beauty of the ruin.
”Though, I guess this uncanny valley world is probably too destroyed for regeneration,” I said wryly.
”Young Master…” Trash-san murmured a gentle admonition.
”Sorry, sorry.” I apologized, though she hadn’t explicitly scolded me.
* * *
Being rocked in the ox-drawn wagon on the way back made for a lot of empty time.
When I reached out with my Psionic Power, I found Cult Slut-san in a room at the shrine, praying silently and endlessly to the deities.
Older mothers whose children had been drafted into the war were with her. They were all rubbing their hands together until the wrinkles disappeared.
I materialized before Cult Slut-san. We embraced for several minutes. Doing too much would actually cause me to be wounded by her comfort, so finding the right balance was tricky. I also reported my safety to Maggot-san and had my body re-examined by the medical team.
I rested my head on Stages-san’s lap in the wagon. Then there was someone else I didn’t know, or did I? My memory is fuzzy about the bridge we crossed. The entire uncanny valley has this atmosphere, exhausting the nerves. My judgment is gradually dulling, which is part of the trap that lures people in.
I was starting to feel like I, too, wanted to seek salvation from Cult Slut-san’s suspicious god.
* * *
I passed the time by talking with the two who were with me. I couldn’t bear the mood if I kept silent now.
”Cult Slut can use Psionic Power now, too,” I let slip casually.
”Ah,” Flatty-chan responded.
I’d forgotten I was keeping that a secret. I must really be tired.
My head is a mess, and I need to properly rethink all my personal affairs once I get home. Especially since I’ve already done it with Flatty-chan.
There was a minor trouble during the journey. Himawari, who was being transferred with us in custody, suddenly went berserk.
The moment she woke up, she screamed and tried to commit suicide. But when I showed my face for just a moment—a very brief moment, as the others held her back—she immediately quieted down. I thought she was like a kitten.
Now, she just sits huddled in the corner of the transport cart, continuously blaming herself. She no longer has comrades to protect or a hometown to return to, nor a master to serve.
That, presumably, will be her life forevermore. Kujukuri Town has many who bear hatred for her, and she won’t be treated kindly. She killed a great many people in the war and committed acts that earned her no respect from society.
* * *
It was early the next morning when we finally reached Isumi Town.
It was exactly the time of sunrise on the surface. As I exited the dungeon door, I saw a large crowd.
The smell of char hung in the air, and smoke from morning cooking rose here and there. Yet the townspeople and children who used to adore me were nowhere to be seen. It seems the fighting has long been over.
As I stepped down from the ox-wagon, a familiar slender, sharp-witted older sister figure rushed toward me.
”Young Master! And, and everyone else is here!”
”Young Master!”
”You came all this way to meet me—waagh!”
”Please, forgive me, just this once. I apologize profoundly.”
I was startled.
I thought I was being carried by someone again. I am relatively compact, easy to carry for an adult female.
”Please overlook this lapse. Anything you wish.”
”Ah, yeah. I was just surprised.” I was being hugged face-to-face.
Sow-san is not a person who does this kind of thing. In fact, she’s the one who most dislikes this kind of physical contact with her master and strictly disciplines others against it. For a moment, I thought she was one of the other Imperial Guards.
She was kneeling, her arms wrapped tightly around my back, refusing to let go. Sow-san’s head was right beside my face. Her black hair, having absorbed the town’s odors, smelled of ash.
”I thought you had gone for good! I cannot bear it. I cannot take this anymore! Why do you always run off alone, so far away?” she cried out, her voice raw.
”…I’m sorry, I’m home.” I gently stroked her head.
Her hair was damaged from lack of sleep and poor care.
”I will not forgive you, even with an apology. I will not be content until you have grown taller than I am. What kind of undutiful child runs off like that in society?” Considering our age difference, and our status, she was still more of a protector than an attendant. To her, I was still just a child.
”I deeply apologize. I said something presumptuous. I am speechless. I couldn’t even stop you from being kidnapped, and I couldn’t even go to your aid. I was useless.”
”You worried me. It’s not your fault, Sow-san.”
She can usually endure, but today, Sow-san was broken. Somehow, my own heart ached for her. She had come close to losing me so many times in her life.
She failed to prevent me from being taken from the town, and she is the type to internalize all responsibility. She was clearly at her mental limit, shouldering that burden so seriously. Her concern for her master and her own sense of inadequacy had piled mental strain upon mental strain. Seeing my safe return must have burst her emotional dam.
”You can stay like this for as long as you want.”
”…Yes.”
* * *
…It was no use. She simply couldn’t recover her composure.
Even though she must have understood the inappropriateness of her actions, Sow-san couldn’t let go.
Her face was haggard, and her eyes seemed abnormally large. She had the look of someone whose mind was unwell.
For a little while, we simply shared the joy of reunion. My Imperial Guards stroked my head, hugged me, and treated me as they would a small child.
Today was just a day when everything went wrong. Cult Slut-san’s snot was disgusting, Vocal Slut-san tried to pick me up and run off somewhere, and everyone else was behaving as they pleased.
I allowed them all to do whatever they wanted. Even the strict Trash-san overlooked protocol today.
However, the people around us panicked. Because we were doing this right in front of the dungeon door, they were afraid I was being sexually abused by my own Imperial Guards, and the rescue squad’s Psionic Power users were forced to pull us apart. I felt sorry for causing such a misunderstanding.
Later, it became an anecdotal story within the Kujukuri Town Psionic Power community, apparently. I thought it was quite a scandal, but it seems it will be twisted into another heroic tale. It’s things like this that caused Himawari to insult my Imperial Guards, suggesting they were messing with their master.
Now, Himawari was led out of the door after us. Shackled like a criminal, she was brought forth and marched past the ruined scenery of Isumi Town.
She was taken toward the prison under the gaze of the former Isumi townspeople, who were tied up as prisoners of war and left exposed. She walked past the fields burned because of her, the destroyed houses, and the hastily dug graves of the townspeople who died because of her.
It was the last view Himawari would ever see of the outside world. I heard later that she would be permanently sealed in a biological testing isolation room aboard an alien ship.
She would be used there for the demonstration experiments of mystical objects. I would never see her again, for the rest of her life. In fact, she would never see anyone again, save for her guards and researchers.
She will have an eternity of time for self-reflection.
This is a far heavier punishment than the death penalty. She was the one who killed Kaede-san and Kiri-san, and I didn’t object to this fate.
And so, she passed through the remnants of the hometown she loved and was carried away toward Kujukuri Town.
* * *
Even on the road, she desperately sought death.
But time cannot be reversed. The one and only correct action in that layer was to simply kill every single being encountered the moment one arrived. There were only weak monsters there, ones that a Psionic Power user could defeat single-handedly. If Himawari had been told to traverse it without thinking, she could have burned everything to ashes.
But that didn’t happen. The moment she arrived with her comrades and failed to kill someone who had been taken over by a monster, she fell into the layer’s trap. She became just one more human-shaped monster, constantly feeding the others. The dungeon is a terrifying place, indeed. It bewitches and deceives human beings, sometimes even granting genuine blessings, continuously swallowing the people who enter it.
Eventually—though not long from now—a legend will be born in this Minamiboso region. It will be the tale of a terrifying oni (daemoness) who kidnapped and devoured men. The story will say that once upon a time, a wicked oni appeared in the now-defunct town of Isumi.
The oni was impossibly strong, capturing and taking away the men of the town to eat them. Many tried to defeat her, but the oni was too strong and immortal, and none of the brave youths who challenged her ever returned. The people did nothing but grieve.
However, the fourth boy the oni kidnapped was a Boddhisattva in disguise, and the oni was finally vanquished. The oni repented, converted to Buddhism, became a revered high priest, and earned the respect of the people.
In this world’s fairytales, the oni was originally a terrifying specter who kidnapped men. It’s why Himawari hated the nickname ‘Daemoness’ and never allowed anyone to call her that.
I know two lies in that story.
One is that, unlike the fairytale, the oni repented but was never saved. The second is that the oni was not a bloodless, cruel specter, but merely a girl burdened by too much responsibility.
I intend to remember that truth forever.
Notes:
• Himawari – A one-eyed black oni girl/aberration-type psionic; town leader/face; asks for promotion help; apologizes for killings; sets 2‑day deadline.
• Psionic Power – Mental energy concept in Chapter 35’s lecture. Trash-san teaches it to strengthen the protagonist’s mind after dungeon ordeals.
• Kaede – A female psionic explorer known as Necksplitter, is a veteran assassin and messenger of Lord Ichimatsu. Her appearance is both young and old, with gray hair streaked through black and vibrant, unlined skin. She is graceful yet carries the fatigue of a long life in war, resembling an old hunting dog. Her psionic ability is mysterious and potentially dangerous.
• Kiri – A female sniper and member of Kaede-san’s team, white-haired with sleepy eyes, wielding a disguised sniper rifle, known for her quick hands and slow speech, often joking in dire situations.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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