NOVEL WEB Chapter 221.2
Chapter 221.2. Meeting
Whispering with a hidden intent, he began to deceive with sharp eyes. As he caught the sound of someone swallowing nervously, he started to speak slowly.
“The Earth Federation Forces were apparently a unit created by the United Nations. This was back when countries weren’t as isolated, and they were still considering building walls to protect themselves from monsters. The UN secretly analyzed dungeons and created a research and combat unit to eliminate them from the source. That’s the Earth Federation Forces. A straightforward name, so shady that no one who hears it takes it seriously.”
“The Earth Federation Forces… I see. That name does sound suspicious.”
With a click of his tongue, old man Tadayoshi crossed his arms in irritation.
“Since the coup, Japan has distanced itself from other countries. I guess that means we weren’t invited to join the creation of the Earth Federation Forces?”
“That’s right. Japan focused all its efforts on protecting its own country. From what I hear, it was a large-scale unit, wasn’t it?”
With bitter expressions, Kurou and Masako nodded. Indeed, Japan lost its presence in the UN after the coup. Japan, which had been aiming for a permanent seat on the Security Council, changed its policy to a near-isolationist stance.
Because of that, Japan wasn’t invited to join the creation of the Earth Federation Forces, a secret UN unit. The timing was really unfortunate; it’s no wonder we didn’t know about it. The timing was truly bad, so it’s no surprise we didn’t know. I’ll say it twice because it’s important.
“They secretly modified a few uninhabited islands in the Pacific, housing selected elites and brilliant scientists there. To save Earth, they gathered soldiers with a blind sense of justice and mad scientists who could conduct inhumane research. They also reportedly brought in abundant funding, plenty of food, and a vast stockpile of weapons and ammunition.”
“Heh. And under the guise of leading this unit, they probably had government officials and rich folks there too, right?”
Understanding my story quickly, Tadayoshi smirked cynically. They created a powerful unit, and the chosen rich people took refuge. It’s a well-crafted tale. Such a disgusting story, isn’t it?
“You’re sharp as ever, old man. You got it right.”
I let out a hard-boiled chuckle, and the old man shook his body, raising an eyebrow as if to say it was an obvious story.
“Heh. Ensuring safety without hurting their own pockets—classic move by people of the past.”
Masako smiled, placing a hand on her cheek, while Kuro scoffed and said,
“Even now, they still use the country’s money. The richest never use their own money to make a profit. It’s an obvious method.”
It was implied that they, too, were like that. The richest people must be something else. My wallet’s empty, so I need to focus on domestic affairs soon. I’m a bit envious, to be honest.
But these guys are smart. They keep expanding on my story. That’s right, exactly, it’s an obvious method. I’ll create… ahem, I’ll tell them the obvious outcome.
“Well, the outlook at the time was naive. They thought they could quickly eradicate the dungeons. Humanity had the overwhelming advantage in the war. After the war, those who preserved their wealth would emerge and lead the reconstruction. The post-war economic boom would make the rich even richer, while more people would go hungry. The gap would widen, and that would be the end of the story.”
“Modern weapons get depleted quickly when used like water. I bet they never imagined they’d be stuck in an endless war.”
Tadayoshi said cynically while drinking.
Missiles and such can’t be mass-produced easily. The same goes for fleets. Even during wartime, the entire Earth can only produce about 5,000 aircraft a month. The damage caused by monsters far outpaced the production rate. Humanity was slowly pushed back. Even if they won the war, resources were depleted, more refugees appeared, and the world collapsed. It’s a history everyone knows.
But there was a hidden side to that history. I’ll add that part myself.
“I can already guess what happens next. The endless war with the dungeons led the rich to stage a coup, didn’t it? Just like Japan. After all, it seems soldiers with a strong sense of justice were stationed there.”
“In the end, when pushed to the brink, force is what speaks. It’s a troubling thought.”
“A group of soldiers overflowing with justice and mad scientists… not a laughing matter.”
The three of them seemed to have seen through everything. Smart people are different.
“But even such noble intentions would fade in the face of scarce food and a miserable life. Twenty years is a long time. Maybe some soldiers and scientists who trained the kids during those 20 years showed up somewhere. Soldiers deserted one by one, like teeth falling out of a comb. Even if they tried to seek protection in the lands they fled to, surprise, surprise. High walls kept them out of the cities, so maybe some generous soul took them in.”
I laughed with a chuckle. That’s the beginning of the Jester Knights Order. Remember that for the test.
“…And what about those who stayed with the unit? Are they still focused on eradicating the dungeons?”
“That, I don’t know. Maybe those with a blind sense of justice survived, maybe not. But I think it’s safe to say it’s a troublesome unit that harbors some talented mad scientists.”
The so-called Four Great Angels—they’re the ones researching fusing humans. There’s no doubt it’s dangerous.
The three fell silent, deep in thought. They understood the threat of the Earth Federation Forces but probably didn’t think it was a unified front. They might be considering how to use them or how to make contact.
But those guys manipulate minds with skills like thought induction. In the end, they’ll likely give up on contacting the Earth Federation Forces directly. Even if they thought about recruiting them, they don’t have the connections.
“What should we do…? There’s nothing we can bring to the surface. Should we spread rumors about a gang secretly committing robberies?”
“That might be the best. I’m more interested in their technology. It seems they have some advanced scientific capabilities.”
“Hey, Sakimori-chan? You can always call on the inner town, you know? We could collaborate on research.”
Though exasperated, I shrugged and grinned at the three, who quickly recovered after sharing my secret.
“Being part of a gang seems to be pretty easy.”
I looked around at the three and delivered the line in a hard-boiled manner. After all, we’re a gang too. I understand how they feel. Let’s just leave it at that.