Earth With Dungeon: Saving the World With an Economic Boom

Chapter 176. Narashino

Narashino City is a military base. The soldiers realized this as soon as the helicopter arrived. Stepping onto the grounds where tanks and fighter jets were parked amidst the austere expanse of concrete, one couldn’t help but feel it.

The hangars shaped like fish cakes, the concrete barracks, and command towers. Many soldiers clad in combat uniforms were forming lines and doing marathons with shouts.

“In movies and such, there are scenes of military bases, and this looks just like that.”

I squinted against the glaring summer sun and followed Karin as we disembarked from the helicopter.

Outside, about thirty soldiers clad in military uniforms were lined up in formation. They all had stern expressions. The exceptions were the figures at the center. It’s an elderly man with a gentle face and a young girl smiling warmly.

I stood beside Karin, mimicking her, and felt slightly surprised inwardly. It seemed like a welcoming gesture mixed with intimidation.

[Unbelievable. These guys, all have at least Level 4 strength. Are there even some at Level 5?]

With my ability to sense mana by default, I was astonished that all the soldiers seemed to possess considerable amounts of mana.

[Indeed. Even though having skill holders in this world is common, unlike the inner town, one would expect Level 3 to be the limit for a base.]

Shizuku, floating ethereally, also seemed surprised as she earnestly gauged their strength.

If they were at Level 4, how many C-rank dungeons would they have had to conquer? Even statistically, skill level-up potions wouldn’t drop that frequently. Conquering a C-rank dungeon bare-handed would require a level of sacrifice that only the Amano family wouldn’t hesitate to make. That should be the norm, but Narashino has managed to gather Level 4 holders.

[Serika, can you hear me? How many Level 4 holders are currently in the inner town?]

[Hm? Is something up? Oh, you’ve arrived at Narashino City, right? Just a moment. There are twelve. Quite a decrease recently because many have died for some reason.]

[Taking care of one’s health is crucial. You have to be cautious of accidents and illnesses. So, Serika, there are welcoming people in front of me. About thirty of them.]

[…So, there are that many Level 4 holders. There have been rumors that Narashino City has rapidly increased its number of skill holders. The subjugation of dungeons by the sergeants rarely incurs casualties. I couldn’t believe it at first. But it’s true.]

Upon Shizuku’s somewhat surprised response, I thanked her and cut off the telepathy. Strange. There should be a significant number of Level 3 holders as well. Yet, the pilots attacking us with the helicopter weren’t particularly strong. Seems like those who desire war with the inner city are reluctant. Was it assumed that the helicopter would be taken down?

[They probably aren’t the top authorities. There are always casualties in wars, big or small. Moreover, you have to consider the existence of magical artifacts concealed in the inner city. I don’t think they would risk instigating a war that could destabilize their own power base.]

Shizuku’s words made sense. That’s how this world is. If you’re at the top, you wouldn’t want to risk dangerous situations. Unless you’re a dangerous individual who’s okay with it.

As Fuuka and the others began talking to the negotiators, we boarded the transport truck to follow them.

This time, when I was pondering how to go to Narashino City, Serika brought up the story of the Minamoto family heading to Narashino City, so I mixed Karin in as a guard and infiltrated as the newly appointed lieutenant, Nagahide Nawa.

Perhaps because there’s been frequent turnover among lieutenants, or because the Minamoto family secretly arranged it, none of the soldiers doubted it.

Sitting on the chilly seats, being rattled as we moved. Eventually, the truck stopped at a gate about five meters high, similar to a wall. It was the entrance from the military base to the city. With a creaking, rusty sound, the gate opened, and the truck resumed its journey into the city.

The city, built around the airport, lacked high-rise buildings except for what seemed to be a control tower, consisting mainly of buildings and houses erected ten years ago, giving it a smaller impression than the inner town.

What sets this city apart is the absence of ruins. This city has used up every inch of its land. Perhaps the fact there was no city here initially worked in its favor.

However, using up all the land means it can no longer withstand population growth. Therefore, they’re expanding the walls to increase territory. From the helicopter’s perspective, the walls here look inferior compared to those in the inner city, so they probably can’t effectively prevent a full-scale invasion by monsters.

“It doesn’t seem like they’re living very affluent lives, Colonel Karin.”

“That’s right, Lieutenant Nawa. Because this place allocates its budget entirely to military preparedness. We live ascetically to exterminate monsters, meow.”

Allocating the entire budget to military preparedness is terrifying. An ascetic lifestyle, huh?

What we can see from the truck are men walking in military uniforms, even in the central district, or women in inconspicuous attire. There’s no glamour at all. It’s as if it’s wartime.

No, perhaps it’s during the war with the dungeons. This is Narashino City.

“I see, living ascetically to expand territory… That approach to aiming for a future where people can live seems commendable.”

“It’s the method that’s the problem-nya. Surely, there’s a lot of pent-up dissatisfaction-nya.”

Indeed, an ascetic lifestyle tends to accumulate dissatisfaction. When you’re tight on resources, you can endure it, but when you have some leeway, there are always those who will think of mischief.

“Let’s wait for those drawn to this name to make contact.”

“Nagahide Nawa. Is there really anyone who’d drawn to that name-nya?”

“Because he was a famous figure from the Sengoku period Oda clan. It’s like hitting the jackpot if someone takes the bait.”

Speculating that the Oda clan might be secretly allied with the folks in Narashino City. It’s worth a shot.

As long as we’re not ignored, that’s fine. We’re hoping for some action from the enemy.

The transport truck came to a stop, arriving at a building presumably for visitors. Inside, the building was bare concrete, lacking unnecessary and necessary furnishings. Frankly speaking, it could be called a building under construction.

Isn’t it a bit too Spartan? The reception counter seems to have been set up as a temporary measure.

The newcomers to Narashino City, besides me, were looking around with curiosity.

“This will be everyone’s rooms.”

The disciplined woman in military uniform briskly guided us, but it felt suffocating, didn’t it? It’s like a city where the air is tight.

Sighing as I entered the room, which was even more basic than a business hotel, if possible.

After putting down my luggage, I look around.

[Trap Detection]

I infused mana into the room to check. Nothing in particular, except for listening devices.

[It’s touching.]

[A surveillance society. I didn’t expect such differences between regions. Are others significantly different?]

[Hmm… It didn’t seem that way to me.]

I understand Shizuku’s reasoning, but would it change that much? I think it’s because this is a military base. Still, it’s too grim here.

After a brief rest, we received orders and gathered in the lobby, where Minamoto Fuuka glanced our way. By the way, I haven’t told Fuuka I’m actually Amano Sakimori. I’ve only informed her that Nagahide Nawa is a member of the Jester Knights.

“Everyone, there’s a welcome party. Those in uniform are requested to attend.”

Fuuka conveyed this in a quiet tone, and everyone nodded. Those in uniform…?

“Hey, am I in uniform, Nyanco?”

I whispered quietly into her ear.

“That’s right, Nyan. Your credentials have been set as a major to allow you freedom of movement. Majors belong to the uniformed group, the highest rank, Nyan.”

“Understood. Then I’ll leave it to you.”

“To me?”

Nyanco tilted her head in confusion, looking at me with a puzzled expression.

“I’ll make it easy to understand, yet subtly infiltrate into the Second Wall District.”

“Make it not so easy to understand, please.”

She narrowed her eyes and nodded slightly with a serious expression different from usual. When I see her like this, she looks like a spy, this cat girl.

I entrust Fuuka with everything. Karin should be able to easily guard her. That guy, Colonel Marume, seems to be constantly vigilant, never showing any vulnerabilities.

“Colonel Fuuma, I’ll go buy some food. Is that okay? We can’t be sure there will be food at the welcome party.”

I asked Karin in a slightly louder voice, and she happily nodded.

“This is a new place-nyan. Be careful not to get lost-nya.”

“I understand. I’ll be back soon.”

After exchanging forced small talk, I left the group and went outside.

Karin sighed as she watched me leave the building. Being a colonel, she was initially happy with the promotion, but it’s delicate. If she were a major, she could have gone sightseeing with me, but in this negotiation, only Colonel Marume and I have the highest rank. She has to stay behind.

“I hope that major doesn’t get lost.”

Minamoto Fuuka approached me and started small talk.

“Minamoto-sama. There’s a possibility that the major is directionally challenged, so she might not be able to return immediately.”

I answered without creating a character, with a serious expression. Since becoming a colonel and dealing with people above, it’s about time I exuded some dignity.

She’ll probably do as she pleases and come back. Based on my experience so far, it’s easy to imagine. In that case, does Karin have to do something? I hope it’s not too much trouble.

“I see. Then will you tell me what happened while you were lost?”

With a smile, Fuuka asked Karin, making her feel pressured.

“I’m just a lowly subordinate, so I haven’t been briefed on the operation’s details-nya.”

Karin reverted to Nyanco and laughed it off. Dignity? I sold it off long ago. Colonel? Just a name. There are too few lieutenants actively operating. The rank has become just a display of the family’s influence.

As weak as possible, I appeal to be a harmless kitty.

“Please don’t be so modest. Colonel Fuuma has been in and out of the ruins even before the formation of the Amatsu Corporation. Oh, and I’d like to be friends, so please call me Karin?”

“Of course, friends are always welcome, Gen-sama.”

Gen Fuuka’s eyes gleamed, a bit scary. She has a dignity I should emulate.

“You can call me Fuuka too, Karin. Phew, I’m glad. I have more friends now. I also want to be friends with the lost one, so please introduce us.”

“Understood-nyan.”

While saying we’re friends, I couldn’t help but shiver at Fuuka’s authoritative tone and lack of laughter. For the Minamoto family, Karin is like trash. Colonel Marume, whom I intended to invite to the Amatsugahara Corporation, has been taken away. Well, there was also the fact that Serika stopped him from recruiting Colonel Marume because it would attract too much attention.

Nagahide Nawa… Fuuka probably sees him as a young man. Even I, as Karin, haven’t seen the disguise, so I don’t know if he’s really Sakimori. But I think his way of speaking indicates he’s Sakimori. With the right acting, you can deceive anyone.

Fuuka probably thinks he’s from the same generation as the Jester Knights. But since he’s an old man inside, he wouldn’t match Fuuka’s taste. But if I were to say that, I’m sure Sakimori would scold me. He’s probably scheming multiple strategies for one thing, so I can’t interfere.

“I hope you come back soon…”

As Karin, all I can do is pray like a weak kitten.