NOVEL WEB Chapter 177
Chapter 177. Rank
In Narashino city, even the second-class districts were bleak and grim. It felt like a dull, gray town devoid of entertainment or excitement.
No vibrancy here. Mannequins stood in store windows, clad in muted colors. It seemed like trends didn’t matter here.
Military trucks dominated the roads, and even though it was early summer, people wore military attire. The collar lines were prominently designed, presumably to indicate ranks.
The women were similar, walking quietly without smiles, whispering to each other, with armed sentries stationed around, vigilantly watching.
[It’s like a dystopian scene, right at the end of the century. Probably, they use ration cards instead of currency. This city is where the protagonist meets a girl with mushroom antibodies.]
[Though it’s not hitting that mark, it’s not far off either.]
With the latter part of the dialogue omitted, the broadcast began affirmatively, with a cute chuckle from Shizuku.
“At 14:00, distribution for the second class will commence. Please collect your rations at each square. I repeat…”
Announcements echoed from speakers attached to street poles. Distribution applies beyond the third class. While there are general stores, limited vegetable options, and restaurants, it’s not a complete ration system.
Taking a side street, I change into inconspicuous clothes from my backpack in the dim alley. Dressed in subtle brown, I should be fine walking through the town now.
Strolling nonchalantly, scanning the surroundings, but it’s uninteresting. Maybe I should head to the square where distribution is starting. Need to find some tourist spots.
[Feels like they exist to survive.]
Muttering as I stroll leisurely. The residents here seem devoid of vitality as if they’ve left their energy somewhere, to the point where they’re almost like zombies.
[I’ve seen it in movies, the atmosphere of Japan towards the end of World War II. Like a wake.]
[Yeah. Maybe it was like this back then. But there are some differences.]
Amidst the people walking, a few things catch my eye. Men hauling heavy carts loads, others repairing buildings with shaky scaffolding, and no safety ropes.
Everyone works in uniforms akin to prison garbs, easily identifiable as third-class. Unkempt hair, sunken cheeks, gaunt bodies.
They’re treated similarly to the inhabitants of the ruins. The difference is, the second-class folks also supervise and work diligently, and.
“They don’t seem to resent it. In fact, they seem pleased.”
Surprisingly, the third-class people don’t seem resentful, despite hearing how harsh the distributions are.
[Indeed, it’s clearly unequal, yet they don’t feel discontent. That’s what bothered Colonel Marume, right?]
Understanding Colonel Marume’s hesitant words in the helicopter, it’s somewhat irritating. But why aren’t they discontent? Are they really receiving plenty of food and money?
“Hey, buddy, you look displeased. No, maybe just curious?”
A voice from behind interrupts my thoughts. Turning around, I see a freckled boy in a dirty workman’s suit, smiling mischievously.
“Do you need something from me?”
He’s about sixteen. Judging from his mischievous grin, he still retains some childishness.
“Heh. You’re from outside, aren’t you? Wanna hire me as your guide and informant?”
“Do you know that?”
Glancing around at my attire, which isn’t particularly different from the dull colors around. Nothing conspicuous.
“I do. You’ve got the look of someone who’s not from this boring town. Saw the helicopter earlier. Came from the rich inner city, didn’t you?”
The boy’s casual words slightly unsettle me. Do I look rich…?
[Sakimori-san’s wallet is always empty, isn’t it?]
“I always keep at least one 10,000-yen bill in there.”
Internally, I sigh at Shizuku’s quick retort. It’s normal for my wallet to be empty, but why, after earning 10 billion, do I not have it on me? Used it all for materials, wages, and other expenses. It’s tough to support 20,000 people. Well, there’s revenue from that, but it’s all reinvested into the next project.
Calling Boujin, who’s never going to be rich, a rich man, or rather, he’s a young man now, is still quite something.
“Huh? Did I say something strange?”
“No, just got a bit emotional. Don’t worry about it.”
I wave my hand to the puzzled boy with a slight tilt of my head.
“So, about being a guide, are there interesting places in this town?”
“Of course. How about 10,000 yen for a day?”
“That’s steep, but I’ll hire you.”
Taking 10,000 yen from my wallet, I hand it to the boy. Interesting places, huh? Looking forward to it. I can’t help but smirk a little.
As I hand him the bill, the boy’s face lights up, pocketing the money with a grin before cheerfully grabbing my hand.
“Generous, buddy. Oh, what should I call you?”
“I’m Nagahide Niwa. And your name, young man?”
“Heh. I’m Saito Tatsumi. Call me Tatsumi.”
With a bright, cheerful smile, Tatsumi introduces himself. He seems interesting, and I return the grin.
As I’m being led by the boy along the road, I ask him to guide me while letting go of my hand to avoid drawing attention.
Looking quite pleased with what he earned, Tatsumi walks beside me, tapping his pocket happily and waggling his index finger.
“So, buddy, fancy a place with lots of girls?”
“Hmm, does such a place exist in this town?”
“Of course it does. While you gotta parade around the main streets with a serious face, the back alleys are thriving.”
Ah, I see. Humans do struggle without entertainment. So they find their fun where it’s not visible.
“For now, food and drinks will do. I’m counting on those girls, alright?”
“Yeah! Leave it to me. Over here, over here!”
Sharing a knowing smile with Tatsumi at my grin, we exchange looks and chuckle.
Men love this sort of camaraderie. It’s all an act, so Shizuku doesn’t need to ponder summoning any reinforcements.
As we proceed down the back streets, amidst our banter,
“Everyone, listen up!”
A man’s loud voice halts our steps. What’s going on?
“This city is rotten! You’re all being deceived by the Yuki family!”
Several men and women shout from the corner. The main man raises his voice, gesturing fervently, likely from the top family of Narashino City.
Others hold placards, repeating similar statements. Seems like some sort of protest. Or is it a rally? Can’t recall.
“Don’t tolerate the tyranny of the Yuki family!”
“You’re all being fooled!”
“Face reality!”
The shouting seems to be from the anti-Yuki faction. A few passersby stop to listen.
“This is outrageous. Right now, the Yuki family is expanding the walls to provide more housing for people. They’re building homes for even the third class, increasing farmlands for a better life!”
The man exaggerates, capturing attention as he speaks. Quite the actor. Skilled at garnering attention.
“But look at reality. Especially you, third-class folks! Being called reserves and being used like slaves. Have you ever had enough food to eat? Have you gotten a decent house to relax in?”
“B-But, the Yuki family promised to give houses to us third-class! My friend got promoted to second class because of it!”
The man must be third class, wearing shabby work clothes. But for a third-class, he’s oddly well-built.
“What do you think, buddy?”
“Wait a bit. That’s an interesting tale.”
Halting Tatsumi’s words, I observe the exchange. Seems like the city’s issues are right in front of me.
“Your friend… have you seen him since then? Could it be he returned to being third class?”
“W-Well… now that you mention it… we haven’t seen him lately. Could it be…”
The man, hearing the loud man’s words, seems to have a clue, hesitatingly mumbling. So that’s how it is, and the man nods solemnly.
“He couldn’t pay the taxes and went back to third class. Probably couldn’t face you and moved to another district! That’s the truth. It’s a scam. They talk about a better life just to keep you from complaining. Only the first class indulges, while the second and below are treated like slaves. Just fodder. It’s time to rise! Let’s win true freedom together!”
Murmurs and unrest ripple through the crowd at his words. Quite the drama. Even employing extras to garner sympathy.
The man begins his passionate speech again, drawing a crowd slowly. But it doesn’t last long. Soldiers rush in blowing whistles.
“What the hell are you doing? Arrest them. Get on your knees with your hands above your head!”
“Yuki’s lapdogs! Don’t interfere!”
As soldiers aim their rifles, the men pull out bottles from their pockets and throw them.
Hissing bottles got thrown, bursting into flames as they hit the ground. Molotov cocktails. They were prepared for everything.
Surprised by the Molotovs, the soldiers start shooting at the men. Dry gunfire echoes, and people around scream and flee.
“Scream!”
“They’re shooting!”
“Run!”
Amidst the chaos, the men throw more Molotovs and flee.
“We won’t lose! Someday, we’ll overthrow you!”
Then they disappear into the narrow path, running at considerable speed. The soldiers give chase, but the difference in speed is evident. They probably won’t catch up.
“That was quite interesting. Sorry to keep you waiting, Tatsumi. Now, guide me.”
I’ve understood why the third class doesn’t complain. That was quite a good show. I’m satisfied.
“Wow, you found it that interesting, buddy?”
“It was indeed. Well then, Tatsumi, I’m looking forward to your information. If your story’s interesting and the girls are pretty, I’ll pay you extra.”
“Wow, you’re generous. There are good places here, look, over here!”
Tatsumi beckons as we enter the narrow alley. He urges me with a smile, so I shrug and smile wryly, following slowly.
Glancing back briefly at the scene of the commotion earlier, the men hoarding mana. They must be at least Level 3. The actors among Sakura’s people were quite good.
And the soldiers who fired their rifles. Such heavy-handed repression would breed resentment. Their methods are too rough.
Yet, despite the gunfire, there’s not a single bullet hole anywhere.
[That was an entertaining play. Quite elaborate. It’s almost painful to watch without paying the actors.]
[Hehe. They must be practicing these dramas all the time.]
[I’d love to know the name of their theater troupe. Could yield some interesting information.]
And so, I turn my face back to follow Tatsumi.