Konbini Ossan Volume 10 Chapter 23 — Post-War Processing
After Naitō’s death, the effects of the skill «Absolute Domination» disappeared, and all those who had been forced into war were freed.
Reports also came in that defensive battles had ended on the fronts of the Adelthand Kingdom and the Sadalkhan Kingdom, not just the Barometz Duchy.
Thus, the war between the three nations and the Runegard Kingdom came to an end.
However, the scars left by Naitō were immense.
The depletion of resources due to the war. The people who lost their lives as soldiers.
None of the three nations escaped unscathed, and even though the war had ended, peaceful days would not return immediately.
Therefore, Otogi Company decided to assist with post-war reconstruction.
Being able to expand into the three nations was not a bad deal for us either. While we would have to invest a significant amount of funds and manpower, the returns would be more than sufficient.
If reconstruction succeeded, Otogi Company would grow into a major corporation spanning four countries. At that point, we would gain power, assets, and military strength incomparable to before.
And after reconstruction, there was also expansion into the Great Forest Autonomous Region. It could be said that Otogi Company’s future was bright.
On the other hand, with the war ending in the form of Naitō’s death, there were those who were deeply shaken.
They were Naitō’s classmates, the summoned heroes.
Until now, they had lived without a single casualty among them.
With their exceptional stats and cheat skills, and with dangerous battles mostly handled by Kanehama and the others, they had managed to come this far without losing anyone.
But now, even if he had become an enemy, one of their classmates had died.
Because of that, they were forced to confront the possibility that they themselves could die through violence.
From here on, they would likely think more seriously about their futures than ever before.
Depending on their choices, the number of people we would take in as employees of Otogi Company, keeping them away from the battlefield and under protection, would likely increase.
“Otogi-san!”
As I busied myself giving instructions for reconstruction support, Kanehama ran up to me.
“Thank you for everything this time. Without you, I can’t even imagine how much damage there would have been. Truly, thank you.”
“No, not at all. I simply did what was natural.”
As I replied, Kanehama moved on to the main topic with a serious expression.
“About what comes next… we’ve decided to return to the Runegard Kingdom. We won’t be able to assist with the reconstruction.”
“Well, that’s unavoidable. You are vital forces for the Runegard Kingdom. They wouldn’t want you remaining outside the country for long.”
With the lingering threat of the Demon King’s army, it was only natural for the Runegard Kingdom.
“Yes. So, about "that matter"… we’ll have to leave everything to you, Otogi-san.”
“That is only natural. I intended to take full responsibility from the beginning. In fact, it’s better if it appears that you had no involvement at all.”
“That matter”. It was something that should not be told to the summoned heroes.
It referred to the plan to dissect, examine, and research Naitō’s body.
The goal was to prove the hypothesis that had existed for some time, that heroes might be closer to monsters than to humans.
Even if he had been an enemy, the idea of a classmate’s body being treated that way would be quite shocking.
Depending on the results of the experiment, it could cause even greater shock.
Therefore, I intended to carry this out on my own, in secret.
Kanehama likely felt guilty about leaving everything to me.
Especially since he had witnessed me dealing the finishing blow to Naitō, he seemed to carry a heavy sense of burden.
“I’m sorry. Then I’ll leave it to you, Otogi-san. We’ll return to the Runegard Kingdom first.”
“Yes. That’s fine. Leave it to me.”
With that, our conversation ended, and Kanehama departed.
At this rate, it would be best not to tell him about the other secret as well.
At the moment I killed Naitō, I clearly felt a new power take root within me.
It was the skill «Absolute Domination». I had acquired the exact same skill that Naitō possessed.
Combined with the hypothesis that heroes might be closer to monsters than humans, and the fact that killing allows one to steal skills…
The situation was far too unsettling, far beyond common sense.
Though the battle had ended, the problems were far from resolved.
Thinking about what lay ahead made my heart feel heavy.
Letting out a sigh, I decided to start by dealing with what was right in front of me, one thing at a time.
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E/N:
It seems we might have to edit tags for this WN on NU! Ability Steal?! What in the heavens has the Goddess been doing?!
Anyway, with this, we come to the end of Volume 10. Next Volume's about everyone's future!
Stay tuned! (2/4 chapter)
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