Konbini Ossan Volume 5 Chapter 19 — Arisa’s Concern
As Kanehama and I were going back and forth, Colonel Gavein cut in.
“Whatever the case, preparations for deployment are already complete. We must strike the Demon King’s army before they finish fully assembling.
…
That point does not change. I have no intention of altering the core of this plan.”
Since Colonel Gavein said so, I swallowed my words. There were risks, yes, but it was also true that failing to strike early could lead to far greater casualties.
Once the Demon King’s army organized itself, losses would be inevitable. If we could crush them beforehand, damage could be minimized.
“Strictly speaking, it’s thanks to your magic tools that we can even execute such a plan, Otsugi-dono.”
“My magic tools?”
“Indeed. The breakthrough capability of the High-Frequency Blade, the defensive power of the anti-blade robe — without these, even with a hero present, we never would have attempted a preemptive strike against a large-scale Demon King offensive.
…
In other words, because of your equipment, we can move now and prevent this massive enemy operation. The number of lives saved by this… no amount of gratitude is enough.”
Colonel Gavein looked me directly in the eyes.
“Thank you, Otsugi-dono. And I ask that you cooperate with this operation as well. I want your input on the specific deployment of the breakthrough unit.
…
After this, I’ll have you meet their commander so you can discuss the details. Will that be acceptable?”
“Yes. Of course. We will gladly assist.”
“You have my gratitude.”
If I refused to help, and an irregularity occurred, it would feel as if I chose to abandon these soldiers. That would sit terribly with me.
“Then this concludes the strategy meeting. Hero-dono, Saint-dono — please prepare for deployment. Otsugi-dono, head to the breakthrough unit and advise them on their equipment.”
Thus the meeting — riddled with questionable decisions — wrapped up.
Afterward, Arisa and I walked side by side toward the breakthrough unit’s staging area. Since Kanehama and Mimori knew the way and were stationed nearby, they guided us.
“Hey, old man.”
“Yes?”
“This base is screwed. If they don’t change something, it’s gonna fall.”
Arisa spoke with a grave look.
“What a coincidence. I had the same feeling.”
“If it were me, I’d send another Four Heavenly King to hit the base solo. Just that would break this whole operation. Why isn’t anyone even considering that? It’s insane.”
She was right. The presence of only one known Four Heavenly King didn’t guarantee that only one would attack.
“That won’t happen, Mikimoto-san.”
Kanehama, walking ahead, joined the conversation.
“The Demon King’s army isn’t unified. They're fractured. The Four Heavenly Kings hate each other. We’ve literally seen Demon King troops killing each other on the battlefield.”
“You’re saying they’d never cooperate?”
“Pretty much.”
Arisa sighed.
“So what then? You’re telling me each batch of monsters is basically its own faction, and they treat other factions as enemies?”
“That’s how it’s been for every Demon King force we’ve seen. They don’t work together. They kill each other if they feel like it.”
“Then explain this. Why is it different here?”
Kanehama stopped short, clearly thrown off.
“Outside the base you’ve got regular monsters gathered. And farther back you’ve got ghost-type monsters massing together, right?”
“Well… yeah.”
“That’s weird. If they’re enemies, why haven’t the regular monsters run? They’d bolt immediately. Surrounded in front and behind by enemies, but they’re standing around like normal? No way.”
Kanehama struggled to counter her point.
“But that’s just the possibility that they’re cooperating, right? It’s never happened before, so maybe there’s some other reason—”
“There isn’t. And even if there was, who cares? The only thing that matters is that the situation is obviously bad.”
With no comeback, Kanehama shut his mouth, looking awkward.
“In any case, what we must do doesn’t change. Even if the base is in danger, if you or Mimori-san act independently, you’ll only endanger the soldiers fighting on the front line.”
“You’re… right.”
He nodded, accepting my mediation. Arisa puffed her chest out smugly, snorting “hmph” in triumph. Her attitude was oddly combative. Why she was so fired up, I had no idea.
But this wasn’t the time to referee arguments.
“For now, Arisa and I will stay at the base. That means we’ll be able to handle certain emergencies.”
Kanehama tilted his head.
“Otsugi-san, you can really handle a Four Heavenly King?”
“Yes. I can.”
“I see. So you must have some good magic tools ready. That explains it.”
It wasn't magic tools, but there was no need to correct him.
If this allowed him to focus on the mission, all the better.
“Well then, Otsugi-san. We’ll leave you here. Continue straight down this hall and turn left — the square where the unit is assembling should be there. We’ll join you after we finish preparing.”
Kanehama grabbed the door to the right.
“We’ll see you shortly.”
Mimori opened the adjacent door and stepped inside, likely to change and ready her equipment.
“Tch. What kind of hero is that? Just an idiot.”
“Arisa-san. Complaining won’t change the situation.”
“I know!”
She seized my arm a bit roughly.
“Come on, old man!”
“Yes, yes.”
The two of us quickened our pace toward the staging area.
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E/N:
At least the Hero isn't self-righteous on top of assuming that the worst won't happen. Or else he would have gotten the Kouki Amanogawa treatment from me 😂! Stay tuned!
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