Published at 17th of August 2019 8:57 am

Volume 16, Chapter 1: To the Underground World

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Part 1

Sunday, July 4

To the five Sun Rangers, the Forthorthe weapons they had been loaned were complete mysteries. While they had only been issued with non-lethal weapons to keep the conflict from growing larger, they were still far more excellent than any of the weapons on Earth. The five could not do anything but be amazed.

“What the heck is this... I've never seen a taser gun that fires bullets.”

“Hayato-niichan, this looks like a bazooka, but is it seriously non-lethal?”

“Kenichi, wouldn't this suit you? Supposedly it's a shock sword.”

“You're right. Daisaku, could you spar with me a little?”

“Yeah, sure. Let's confirm all of their uses.”

While they had been shocked at first, they couldn't stay surprised with a battle so close. In preparation for the the real battle, they began some light sparring battles.

“How is it Daisaku?”

“Hmm, it seems like there's a bit of delay between a hit and when the zap comes.”

“I see. So I need to correspond faster than with the usual blade...”

A bang rang out.

“...A direct hit. Well done, Hayato-niichan.”

“What an unpleasant gun. It hits exactly where I aim.”

“So that's why you hit slightly above the mark.”

“It looks like I won't need to make any corrections with this.”

The practice continued for a while, and just as the practice was about to end.

“Oh?”

Megumi spotted several small silhouettes behind some drums. These silhouettes belonged to the children of the underground people. The Sun Rangers were currently in the conservative faction's stronghold, and these were their children.

“What are you doing here. We are practicing fighting here, so it's dangerous.”

“...Are you heroes of justice?”

One of the children behind the drums timidly asked Megumi. They had overheard the adults speaking about transforming heroes and came to take a look.

“I always wish to be one.”

“...Are you going to defeat the underground people?”

That was what the children worried about the most. Still unaware of how the world worked, the last thing the children wanted was to become the enemy of heroes of justice.

“No, that's not it. It doesn't matter if you're surface people or underground people. We are only going to stop those that would hurt others.”

“Then... you're our allies?”

“Are you bullying someone?”

“No, we wouldn't do that. We all get along!”

“With the surface people too?”

“Yeah! We went together to a festival the day before yesterday!”

“I see. Then we are your allies.”

As Megumi smiled, the children let out sighs of relief. From there, children came out from behind the drums, one after another. In total there were seven of them, and they looked at the Sun Rangers with sparkling eyes.

“You transform right!?”

“Yes, we do.”

“I want to see it!”

“Hmm, let's go ask the others... Everyone, could you come over!”

“Yeah!”

Kenichi and the others approached the children after Megumi called for them. As they did, Kenichi spoke to the other Sun Rangers with a serious expression.

“...Everyone, our responsibility is huge.”

“I know. We're not the same we were last year.”

“I can't just sit around eating.”

“It's a little embarrassing though.”

The Sun Rangers were different from what they had been a year ago. While their abilities were still in development, they were now well aware of what they couldn't let down.

That's why they made up their minds.

That regardless of the outcome, they would fight in a way that the children would be proud of them.

Part 2

Koutarou and the others were currently in the stronghold of the People of the Earth's conservative faction. This stronghold was a refuge facility that had been prepared in the case of an unexpected situation. Koutarou and the others had gathered there to swiftly decide on a strategy and prepare their equipment for the coming battle with the radical faction.

They were currently in the conference room, in the middle of a strategy meeting. Those related to room 106 and those in important positions amongst the conservative faction had gathered and had been discussing for a quite a while now. Only professor Roppongi was present for the meeting amongst those related to the Sun Rangers. Since the Sun Rangers were training with their weapons, the meeting was left in Roppongi's hands.

“...Then let's go over what's been decided.”

Kiriha, who was the commander of the entire operation, was leading the meeting. Once the entire strategy had been decided on she explained it part by part with a severe expression.

“Theia-dono will lead the surface troops. Ruth, Shizuka, Maki, the Sun Rangers and 80 of the conservative faction's combat unit will be part of this, for a total of 89 men.”

Koutarou and the others had decided to divide their troops for the upcoming battle with the radical faction. There were the surface troops that would seize control of the earthquake weapon, and the underground troops that would capture the radical faction's leaders.

Members that could use large-scale attacks such as Theia and Ruth who could use their battleship, the Blue Knight, and Shizuka who held the power of a dragon inside of her were primarily chosen as members of the surface troops. And based on the information they had gathered, there was a chance that Maya had cast some kind of spell on the earthquake weapon, so Maki would be tagging along with them.

The Sun Rangers were chosen for the surface troops, not only because they were more suitable for a surface battle, but also because of political reasons. Rather than intervening in foreign political matters, dealing with a threat on the surface was closer to their original duty. This was decided to keep the surface and underground from conflicting.

On top of this, 80 members of the conservative faction's combat unit would join as well. Because the conservative faction's forces were small, this number was about the maximum amount of soldiers that could be mustered. Any more than this might also cause troubles with movement, so it was considered an appropriate number.

“The underground troops will consist of Koutarou, Yurika, Harumi and Sanae under my command. On top of that another 15 of the conservative faction's troops will join, giving us a total of 20.”

The underground troops instead had a very flexible composition. With the calm and quick-witted Kiriha in the lead, Koutarou who fought using all kinds of powers, Yurika and Harumi who could use magic, and Sanae who could sense and detect enemies better than anyone with her spiritual powers they could adapt and avoid fighting as much as possible with their smaller numbers.

With 15 of Kiriha's subordinates with them, they were still just a quarter of the ground troops numbers. But underground, in narrow spots, having a larger number was often wasted, that's why 20 was considered the optimal balance between fighting power and stealth.

“Clan-dono will standby in the sky in the Cradle and cover where needed.”

Clan was an exception who wasn't part of either troop. She had two primary jobs. She would communicate with the surface and underground, and support them in their battle.

Since the battle would take place on the surface and underground it would normally be impossible to communicate, but it was barely possible through the use of Forthorthe's gravitational wave communications. Yet even then it would be hard to connect to those underground. So Clan would standby in the Cradle, relaying communications from her position. With that, it should be possible for the two troops to cooperate flawlessly.

On top of that she would support both troops, from analyzing information to transferring supplies.

While these two jobs might seem plain, they were incredibly important.

“The underground troops will move first, and once we have located the enemy's base, both troops will begin their attack simultaneously. Since both sides will act as a diversion for the other, the timing of the attack is of utmost importance.”

Currently, the position of the earthquake weapon was all but confirmed, however, the radical faction's base still hadn't been determined. While there are some leads, they would have to search as they headed underground.

Once the radical faction's base has been found, a simultaneous attack would be launched on the base and earthquake weapon.

“The mission will begin as of 1900 today, we will begin after the sun sets.”

As the season was drawing near summer, the sun would set around 7PM. An attack would stand out less after the sun had set, and since neither side wanted to be seen, taking action after sunset was inevitable.

“That is all for the outline of the strategy. Any questions?”

After finishing reviewing the strategy, Kiriha looked around the room. Her eyes were more serious than ever. Today she simply couldn't smile, and that wasn't limited to just Kiriha... the same was true for the other girls as well. This was their first time ever launching a full-scale attack like this.

“...Then this strategy meeting is now over. Begin your preparations.”

There were no questions regarding the strategy. Everyone had fully grasped that what lay ahead of them was a battle more fierce than they had ever experienced before.

Part 3

As someone who led many, Kurano Kiriha had very few who she could show her true self to. One of those few was her father, Kurano Daiha, and she was currently in her own room, in the middle of speaking with Daiha.

“...The radicals have come telling us to surrender right away, dangling the existence of that earthquake weapon of theirs.”

“So that really was their goal.”

“By feeding you information directly they omit the need for us to confirm it, not allowing us to buy any time... Maguz is tough.”

“What are you planning on doing?”

“I can't tell you over the phone... What a pitiful story, I'm not even able to speak frankly with my daughter.”

“I agree.”

As they faced this important situation, Daiha couldn't even tell his daughter the truth because of the existence of magicians and out of fear of informers. The same was true for Kiriha. Even if she was talking to her father, she couldn't tell him the plans for the mission. It was pitiful and sad. As a result her expression remained serious. It was an expression that was unbecoming of her.

“I will convey the details at a later date. Until then, act upon your own judgment, Kiriha.”

Daiha didn't know that Kiriha was going to launch an attack on the radical faction. However, he was able to grasp something upon seeing the determination in her eyes. He was still a parent, and he was able to imagine that Kiriha was planning something big. Things made a lot more sense when he began thinking that this call was related to that. While Daiha might look calm on the surface, he was uneasy on the inside and wanted to encourage his daughter in some way.

“Thank you very much, Chief.”

“I'm glad I could get a look at you. By the way, Kiriha, there's talk about arranged marriage―”

“I don't need it. I'm capable of finding my own fiancé.”

“You still remain unmoving on that point... You look just like her.”

Daiha smiled. Regardless of the severe situation, Kiriha showed a more feminine expression upon marriage being brought up. While this was the best he could do over a call, Daiha felt satisfied being able to act like a father at least a little bit.

Once the call was over, Kiriha leaned back on her chair and let out a sigh. She had been able to get a look at her father before the battle. All that was left was for her to do her best.

“...So that's your father, Kiriha-san.”

That was when a voice called out to Kiriha. It was Koutarou who had come to her room, looking for her.

“Koutarou... you were listening?”

“Sorry. I didn't intend on eavesdropping.”

Koutarou presented a document to Kiriha. He had come to her room to deliver this to her. There were a lot of items in the document, and all of them signaled that preparations were complete. This document was telling her that all that was left was waiting until the mission began.

“From where were you listening?”

“From your arranged marriage.”

“Then you didn't hear anything.”

“I did. Talks of your marriage is a major point of interest.”

“Does it worry you?”

“The only thing that worries me is your happiness.”

“Then you don't need to worry. Plans for the future have already been laid out.”

“Then that's good.”

Kiriha smiled, and upon seeing that smile, Koutarou felt like there was no more need for him to say anything. He had been worried that Kiriha was feeling down all by herself again. Either her talk with her father had cheered her up, or she had never been feeling down in the first place. Either way, there was no need for Koutarou to worry.

“But still... it's pretty weird.”

Koutarou decided to change the topic, he didn't mind if it was something insignificant.

“What is?”

“At first you came to invade, and now you're working your hardest to stop an invasion.”

“The invasion I desire isn't one based on stealing.”

“But because you never quite showed those intentions of yours you ended up sending me for quite a loop.”

Kiriha's invasion wasn't one that harmed life or dignity. While the People of the Earth themselves were practically illegal, and they were unable to obey the law, she didn't want someone to get hurt.

But at first, Kiriha hadn't told Koutarou that. That was both to buy time, and because she didn't know what kind of person Koutarou was, but as a result, Koutarou ended up having quite a hard time.

“Thinking back to it now it was quite strange. While claiming that you knew how it felt to be stolen from and be hurt, you claimed you would be mass producing weapons like those haniwas to invade... I should have put more thought into it back then.”

“I'm sorry for deceiving you. But because of that I was able to silence the radical faction for a while. And most of all... I was able to reunite with the person I love.”

Kiriha smiled as she spoke and put her hand on top of her chest. Past her hand was that card. It was the card she had gotten as a present from the person she loved back when she was a child.

“I'm not angry. I know you were in a tough spot.”

“Thank you, Koutarou.”

To Koutarou, Kiriha's smile overlapped with the smile of the girl he had met eleven years ago. The girl whose eyes had sparkled upon seeing the surface world for the first time, and who had gotten disappointed because she hadn't been able to ride the roller coaster. Because of that, a certain wish grew inside of Koutarou.

“Hey, Kiriha-san.”

“Hm?”

“Once all of this is over... let's go ride the roller coaster again.”

Kiriha kept herself from being selfish, ever since she was a child. She might be holding something in even now. But once the battle was over, there was no need for that, and Koutarou felt like the roller coaster was the perfect first step to let her do as she pleased.

“...Koutarou...”

But that was when something unexpected happened. Still smiling, tears streamed down from Kiriha's eyes.

“H-Hey, what's wrong?”

Not having expected Kiriha to cry, Koutarou looked at her with worry in his face. Kiriha looked up at Koutarou with her eyes full of tears.

“You just said something that can never be taken back... are you aware of that...?”

Kiriha put her hands in front of her chest, holding back the feelings that were on the verge of bursting out.

“Kiriha-san...”

“You... shouldn't be dense enough to not understand what saying that means to Kiriha and Kii...”

Inside of Kiriha were two girls. They were Kiriha herself, and the lonely little Kii who rarely showed herself. The two of them each had their own feelings regarding that roller coaster. So they couldn't help but expect something special upon being asked to go ride on the roller coaster after everything was through and done.

“I know. But... I couldn't find any more suitable words.”

Koutarou was well aware. Well aware, yet he couldn't find any other words. Considering the relationship they had built up, there weren't any words more suitable than these.

“Then... there's something I want to ask.”

“What?”

“Would you mind if I hugged you right now...?”

“...Is that something you even have to ask?”

Koutarou smiled wryly at Kiriha's question and spread open his arms.

“Koutarou!!”

Kiriha sprung of her seat and leaped into Koutarou's arms, embracing him. Koutarou responded by hugging her back. Kiriha then continued crying, with her shoulders trembling.

“There you have it, so let's go solve these problems.”

Koutarou patted Kiriha on the back. Kiriha continued crying inside of Koutarou's arms for a while.

“Yeah... I love you, Onii-chan...”

Kiriha had gotten another goal. For its sake, she would give it her all.

While she continued to cry, strong positive emotions filled her chest.

Part 4

As the clock turned 7PM, it was time for the mission to start and Koutarou, the girls of room 106 and the Sun Rangers gathered in the entrance hall. Koutarou and the others of the underground troops would be the first to depart. The others were there to see them off.

“Koutarou, you get it don't you? You're only allowed to lose against us. I won't forgive defeat against anyone else. Win, and come back unharmed.”

“Don't be so unreasonable. That aside, Theia, you be careful too. You already stand out enough as it is, so don't get reckless.”

“Kiriha-sama, please stay safe. And please take care of Master.”

“Thank you, Ruth. I've looked through the manual for Koutarou's armor, there's no need to worry.”

“Sanae-san, make sure you come back in one piece so you can wear the band of knight's uniform.”

“Yeah!...So Maki's is indigo. I wonder what color I should be... fufufu~”

“Ugh, my stomach hurts...”

“Oh, even Yurika-chan is nervous?”

“I-I ate too much.... uuhhh.”

“Let's go on a diet together once everything is over.”

“Harumi, PAF will last for at least another 24 hours, but bear in mind to change your power pack while you can.”

“You mean to always be prepared for the unexpected. I understand, I'll be careful.”

Koutarou and the nine girls wished each other good luck and said their farewells. If everything went according to plan, they wouldn't meet again until the battle was over. That's why their farewells today seemed to have a more lonely atmosphere to them than usual.

I guess it can't be helped. Even though they're all strong, they're still normal girls...

Koutarou could easily tell the girls were nervous. It was the same nervosity he had felt before major battles in the past Forthorthe. Amongst the girls, only Clan knew of this nervosity.

“Sun Rangers, take care of everyone. They're all strong, but they don't have a lot of actual combat experience.”

Koutarou lowered his head to the Sun Rangers. Since they were part of the surface troops, they would accompany Theia and the others instead of Koutarou. While the Sun Rangers had less power than Theia and the others, they were far above them when it came to actual experience. Koutarou wanted to rely on that experience this time.

“Please leave it to us, Baron-san. The only thing we five can take pride in is our experience.”

“Baron-sama is relying on me!! Relying!! I'm soooo haaappyyy!!”

“Megu-chan, this important so let's step over here for a while.”

“I think about it from time to time, but... Megu-neechan is a big shot, isn't she.”

“She's the same as always even in this kind of situation... you might have a good point.”

“I'm counting on you, Sun Rangers.”

“Yes.”

Koutarou and Kenichi gently bumped fists. A promise between soldiers stayed the same regardless of the era.

“Koutarou.”

As if waiting for that moment, Kiriha called for Koutarou. As he looked in the direction of the voice, the underground troops were all gathered.

From room 106 were Kiriha, Sanae, Yurika and Harumi. On top of that were 20 of Kiriha's subordinates. With Koutarou, they were a total of 25 heading underground.

“Then we're going. You guys be careful.”

Koutarou bid his farewells to those that would remain behind and headed towards the rest of the underground troops.

“Make sure you return!”

“Master, leave everything here to me during your absence!”

“Nijino Yurika! Be careful of Maya-sama!”

“Kii, you are not alone! Rely on your allies!”

“Everyone, stay well!”

Many voices rang out to the departing underground troops and Koutarou. They were all voices that made him want to stay, but Koutarou joined the rest of the underground troops without looking back.

Thus, Koutarou and many more headed underground.

Koutarou and the others were using a passage that had been sealed for several decades to travel underground. There were many passages that led underground, but one of these led to an old city where no one lived anymore due to the population decline. You could call it a place forgotten by time. It was a perfect place to infiltrate from as long as the seal could be broken.

Kiriha didn't want the radical faction to figure out her plans for the use of military force, so the troops were headed underground through a hidden route, rather than an official one.

“Alright, I'll take a look on the other side.”

Having been a ghost, Sanae was able to leave her body and observe the other side of the sealed door.

“Come back soon, Sanae-chan!”

The other Sanae that had been left behind, in other words, the Sanae that had been hospitalized, saw her off with a worried look. Aware or not, the ghost Sanae passed through the door.

“How does it look?”

“U-Uhm... it doesn't look like there's anyone nearby.”

As Koutarou asked her, Sanae-san who had been left behind reported on what Sanae-chan saw. The two hadn't completely divided and were still connected through spiritual energy. While it looked like they had split into two, their soul was one, and their memory was shared. They were two in one.

“It looks like there are bats, moles and bugs though.”

“Hiiiiii!!”

Upon hearing the use of the word bugs, Yurika let out a scream. She hated bugs.

“You were fine with beetles weren't you?”

“I hate spiders, crawly ones and those that are venomous~”

With her eyes moistening, Yurika sprayed about her insect repellent. When she learned that she would be going underground, this was the first thing she prepared.

“Karama, Korama, open it up.”

“Got it Ho-, Nee-san!”

“Leave it to us Ho-!”

While Yurika was still spraying away, Kiriha gave the haniwas the order to open up the door. First Karama connected its personal spiritual energy generator to the door via a cable and supplied it with energy. This revived the door's panel, which Korama analyzed and removed the lock. In total it took them about ten seconds. Since there was such a gap in performance between the old door that had been abandoned for decades and the haniwas, they seemingly opened the door up without any problems.

“Koutarou, please open it Ho-!”

“We'll leave the physical labor to you Ho-!”

“Okay, okay.”

Since he couldn't help but stand out when wearing it, Koutarou still didn't have his armor on. But even then, Koutarou was the strongest of the group.

Koutarou grabbed the door and pulled it open with all of his might. As it moved it made an irritating screech while slowly opening. Sanae-chan returned through the gap of the open door.

“I'm back!”

With a cheerful smile she hugged Koutarou's back.

“Sanae, this isn't where you should be returning. It's over there.”

Koutarou pointed in the direction of Sanae-san.

“Hurry and come back, Sanae-chan!”

Being timid, she couldn't help but be embarrassed by standing next to her beloved Koutarou, and she wanted to merge with Sanae-chan as quickly as possible.

“...If you love him then just say so.”

“Don't be mea~n.”

“Sanae hurry up and go back to normal. We've got to go.”

“But this way, you can see better in the dark, Koutarou. Look.”

Sanae understood the situation as well, and wasn't actually playing around. Since Koutarou's ability to see spiritual energy came from Sanae, she was far superior at it. But if she clung onto his back, her ability was conveyed to Koutarou. It was indeed convenient when walking down a passage without light.

“I see. Then let's go like this.”

“If you get it then praise me.”

“You did good, very good.”

“Fufu~n.”

“In this state, I should take the lead. Everyone, follow me.”

“Let's go!”

“Wait! Don't leave me behind!”

Koutarou entered the passage with Sanae-chan still on his back and Sanae-san panickingly chased after the two. Seeing Koutarou and the others like that, Harumi and Kiriha smiled at each other.

“What a mysterious sight.”

“I never thought I'd get to see the definition of getting ahead of oneself play out before my eyes.”

“Really. Fufufu.”

“P-Please waiii~t!”

Harumi, Kiriha and her subordinates followed after Koutarou.

Like that, Koutarou and the others stepped into the domain of the People of the Earth.

Part 5

While the design of the passage leading to the underground world was old, it was firmly made. The walls and floors were built with something similar to concrete. Despite not having been used for decades there was no sign of decay. It was a structure that showed off the People of the Earth's constructional skills.

“...It has a similar atmosphere to Kiriha-san's room.”

That was the impression Koutarou got upon seeing the passage. It was simple, but had a sturdy make, and it felt similar to Kiriha's room underneath room 106.

“It's built using the same traditional method after all.”

“I see... with more advanced construction techniques even stuff like concrete is considered a traditional construction method.”

“We excel at technology that can endure moisture and pressure.”

“You might do well to patent future advances in that field.”

“I see, I'll keep that in mind.”

The party progressed down the old yet modern passage. In the lead was Koutarou, carrying Sanae-chan on his back. After him came Kiriha, Sanae-san, Harumi, Yurika and finally Kiriha's 20 subordinates. Normally travelling in a group of 25 would be quite noisy, but thanks to Yurika having cast a spell to erase the sounds of their footsteps, there was not a single noise to be heard. They were scanning for enemies using spiritual energy and using magic to conceal their presence. It could be called an ideal infiltration method.

“Koutarou, stop!”

“There's something there!”

As Sanae-chan leaned forward from Koutarou's back and peered forward, Sanae-san grabbed Koutarou's hand and stopped him. Being two in one, their coordination was perfect.

“Sanae, what's that something?”

“It doesn't seem to be human. It feels a bit like Karama-chan and Korama-chan.”

“Further ahead of this passage are two corners and its just past that. It's getting closer but it doesn't seemed to have noticed us yet.”

“Kiriha-san, what do you think it is.”

“It's probably an automated spiritual energy weapon like Karama and Korama. They're perfect as guards for remote places like this.”

Spiritual energy weapons like Karama and Korama used the spiritual energy their own souls emitted alongside the spiritual energy around them to move. As a result, they practically never needed to replenish until their parts and catalysts were consumed. They were very useful for guarding places where intruders were very rare but not unthinkable.

“Are you good with these kind of places?”

“No Ho-. We don't like dark and narrow places Ho-”

“The radical factions have some that do though Ho-”

“You mean like the clay dolls that attacked at the amusement park?”

“Probably. The radical faction probably placed guards here just in case.”

The spiritual energy weapons that the conservative faction used were primarily used as daily guards and servants, and were given souls similar to humans. Because of that they felt lonely when left alone. Karama's and Korama's tendencies for this was especially strong, but this kind of tendency was common amongst the conservative faction.

However, the radical faction only used them as pure weapons. As a result their souls were far more mechanical. They were closer to a computer program than a soul. That's why they never complained regardless of what job they were given and didn't feel lonely. While they were efficient, the radical faction had no attachment to their tools. The People of the Earth shared the same idea as the Japanese that a soul would eventually reside in a tool was used for many years[1]. Comparing the two factions, the radical faction was literally in too much of a hurry.

“So what do we do, Kurano-san? If we don't decide soon that clay doll will come.”

Like Harumi pointed out, the assumed spiritual energy weapon of the radical faction was closing in. A measure needed to be decided on swiftly.

“Let's go back and take a detour. I don't want us to be found, and we can't go and destroy it.”

Kiriha quickly decided.

She believed that the reason for the spiritual energy weapon being deployed in this area alone was to detect intruders, rather than stop them. There was no need for them to go out of their way to destroy it.

With that in mind it was best to just pass by the clay doll. Being found or destroying the clay doll would just let the radical faction know of their existence.

“Alright, let's go. And Yurika, could you power up your camouflage spell just in case?”

“I got it.”

Upon Koutarou's directions, Yurika readied her magical cane. Koutarou and the others waited for Yurika to finish her spell and then turn back the way they came.

Part 6

Like Kiriha had expected, Sanae had detected a clay doll spiritual energy weapon. It was several times larger than Karama and Korama, and it had a sharper shape fitting of a weapon. With their superior numbers they could easily overcome it, but one on one it was a dangerous opponent.

Koutarou and the others avoided contact with the clay doll and detoured around it. With the help of Yurika's spell, they got past the clay doll undetected, and now Koutarou was in the lead again as they continued walking down the passage.

“Hey Kiriha, how far are we?”

“Just a little further up ahead there is an elevator. If we go down that we'll be able to reach quite deeply. Distance we are probably less than half ways, but we should be there shortly.”

“Hmm, so it's a little longer. Hey Harumi, are you okay?”

“I'm okay. Thank you, Higashihongan-san.”

“If anything happens you let me, the leader, know right away okay?”

“Okay. Fufufu...”

After passing by the clay doll the group had been able to progress to their next destination without running into any more threats. There, there was a transportation elevator that led to the underground world. Since the clay doll was using it to transport, there was light at the operating panel.

“So we're getting on this?”

Reaching the elevator, Yurika was about to casually push the elevator call button.

“Wait, stop!!”

Koutarou grabbed Yurika the moment before she could touch the button.

“Kyaa!? W-What is it!?”

Yurika was surprised by the sudden event and stared at Koutarou with eyes wide. After confirming that the button hadn't been pressed Koutarou let out a sigh of relief.

“Give me a break, Yurika. If the elevator moves they'll notice us.”

“Ah, r-right, sorry.”

Yurika realized the circumstances and blushed.

If the radical faction were to ambush them, just past this elevator would be the ideal. If they realized that Koutarou and the others were onboard the elevator, it was obvious that they would attack the moment the elevator reached its destination.

“We're already in enemy territory, be careful, Yurika.”

“Y-Yes...”

Seeing Yurika nod, Koutarou let her go as he dropped his shoulders. Being set free, Yurika chased after Koutarou with her eyes with her cheeks still flushed.

Couldn't he have had more of a reaction... he just hugged a girl after all...

Yurika was well aware that now wasn't the time to think about stuff like that, but she felt sad that Koutarou wasn't giving her more consideration.

“Kiriha-san, we can do something about it, right?”

Unaware of Yurika's thoughts, Koutarou called out to Kiriha. After looking at Kiriha for a while, Yurika looked down on her own chest and sighed.

“Indeed. It does seem to have some security on it, but it's decades old. It's no match for our present technology.”

“Ho-, leave it to us Ho-”

“HoHo-, now it's our time to shine Ho-”

Karama and Korama began messing around with the elevator's panel. It was troublesome that involved deceiving all kinds of surveillance systems, but as Kiriha had said, the haniwas didn't seem to struggle in the slightest.

Part 7

An hour had passed since passing through the first door, and after riding the elevator down, walking down some stairs and through a passage, Koutarou and the others reached the underground world.

“So this is Kurano-san's hometown...”

Having seen the underground world for the first time, Harumi stared with her eyes wide open. She was seeing a splendid view of a town at night, which at first glance didn't look like it was underground. There, Kiriha smiled and called out to Harumi.

“That's right... this is the largest city the People of the Earth has built up over hundreds of years, the town of Sial.”

Her proud smile showed that this city held a special meaning to the People of the Earth.

According to the People of the Earth's legends, their ancestors were chased away from their homes after committing a cardinal sin. At the end of their exodus they reached the area around Kitsushouharukaze city, and established their new hometown. While they held advanced technology, looking back at their sins, they kept away from power. As a result, they limited themselves to a small area.

Supported by their advanced technology and culture, they lived peacefully for a long time. However, as time passed, the civilization of the people living around them advanced, and their territories clashed. When that happened, friction between the two civilizations naturally occurred. Once that friction crossed a certain line, the People of the Earth's ancestors decided to move underground. While it wouldn't be hard for them to suppress the opposition with their advanced technology, their legends and myths claimed that domination and power would lead to ruin. So the majority of them decided to move underground, with only a few leaving behind their technology and remaining on the surface. Thus, the civilization that moved underground became the People of the Earth.

Life after that was far from easy. However, the People of the Earth united to face their problems, and built the splendid town of Sial underground. After hundreds of years of building onto the town, it evolved into a modern city. As a result, the People of the Earth prospered after abandoning conflict. That was why this city was not only the hometown of many, but a symbol of unity.

“But... this side is dark.”

The People of the Earth's hometown was built inside of a massive cave, filling it up entirely. As it was currently night, there were lights keeping the city bright, and light leaked out from the windows of the various houses, creating a beautiful night view. However, that was limited to the northern side of the city. In the southern side where Koutarou and the others were, it was for some reason almost no lights. That confused Sanae as she looked around.

“This is the old district... with the decrease in population, this side isn't being used.”

Kiriha answered Sanae's question, but her expression was lonely.

Even the prosperous People of the Earth had suffered a decrease in population as the surface developed. Their current population was less than half of their prime. As a result the southern district of the city had been abandoned. Thanks to the excellent construction however, the district remained the same despite no one living there. It was an afterimage of their prime, the old district was proof of the People of the Earth's decline. To Kiriha who was a born and raised People of the Earth, looking at this uninhabited district made her sad. When she looked at the empty district she felt like their unity and pride had been lost.

“So where do we go now?”

“We'll group up with our allies at an old guard room. This way.”

Kiriha led the troops and walked down a road in the old district. Their destination was what had been a staff room for guards in the past. On the surface, it was something similar to a police station. There they would join up with the conservative faction forces underground, and prepare for the battle with the radical faction.

“Clan, Clan.”

As Koutarou followed Kiriha, he opened up a channel to Clan through his bracelet.

“What is it?”

A hologram of Clan soon appeared. Since she was on standby as everyone's backup, her response was quick.

“We've reached the People of the Earth's city. Can you pick up the signal from that transmitter?”

The transmitters that Koutarou was referring to were something he had attached to five trailers in the radical faction's factory. One of the trailers had been confirmed going underground, and Koutarou wanted to know where it had gone as there was a high chance that it led to the radical faction's base.

“Please wait a moment.”

Clan remotely controlled Koutarou's bracelet in an attempt to pick up the signal.

“It seems like there's still some distance left, as all I can give you is that it's somewhere to your north. If you give me some more time, I can analyze it fully though.”

But sadly, she couldn't clearly calculate its position. Either Koutarou would have to get closer to the source, or more time needed to be spent analyzing the signal.

“Keep taking data and analyze it please.”

“I'll contact you once I've got something.”

“Please do.”

Just as Koutarou and Clan had finished the call, an explosion happened to the north, on the still populated side of the city.

It wasn't that large of an explosion, but it wasn't a single one. Like a roar of thunder, the explosions happened one after another. Surprised by this, Koutarou and the others stopped and looked towards the northern district. There they saw a furiously burning fire had replaced some of the night view. It was fire that had occurred from the explosions.

“A fire... was it an accident?”

“You're wrong Harumi-chan Ho-! There's nothing over there that could explode Ho-!”

“Ane-san, based on the distance and sound it's very likely that it was an explosion from portable firearms Ho-”

“Not good... the radical faction made the first move!”

Kiriha's expression turned severe. It was hard to believe that this was an attack by the conservative faction at this timing. Based on their policies, the conservative faction wouldn't attack until they rejected the radical faction's demands of surrender. It was more natural to assume that the radical faction had launched an attack as the conservative faction was taking such a long time to respond.

“Kiriha-san, let's hurry and meet up with our allies! We'll start from there!”

“You're right. Thank you, Koutarou.... Everyone, follow me!”

The situation was growing tense and Koutarou and the others had no time to hesitate.

Translator's Notes and References

1. ↑ This refers to the Tsukumogami (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukumogami)

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