The World Is Overflowing with Monster, I’m Taking a Liking to This Life

Chapter 130: The End of the Sixth Day

There are people waiting inside by the time we arrive at the meeting room. The other teams must have returned to rest as well.

(Some of them are injured, but none has died) My former colleagues are also uninjured.

Mayor Uesugi stands up as we sit down on some unoccupied chairs.

It seems were all here now. He strides forward to the stage and looks at us.

I have gathered all of you here for a single purpose. Im sure you have heard about it by now, but there is information about where the Queen Ant might reside. Whispers begin to resound throughout the room. As I thought, people cannot hide their surprise despite being told beforehand.

Ill be handing the conservation over to her for more information. Nijou-chan. Y-yes!

Called by the mayor, Nijou stands up and heads up to the stage.

With stiff movements, she greets us and bows her head.

So this girl still has stage fright.

Um, Ill begin explaining then. U-under Chief Shimizus orders, our group was exploring the West side of the Shopping District when we found a staircase leading to the Underground Shopping Mall Summarizing her points, her group discovered a path leading down to the Underground Shopping Mall in the Western part of the Shopping District.

There were innumerable ants crawling around, and they were about to turn back due to the sheer number of ants in the vicinity. Precisely as they were leaving, they saw an individual that resembled the Queen Ant deep inside the Underground Shopping Mall.

How did you know that it was the Queen Ant? The Underground Shopping Mall is almost pitch black, wouldnt you be pretty much blind there without a source of light? One of the members of the City Hall raises a question.

I-I have a set of skills called Telephoto and Night Vision. They allow me to look at things far away even in the dark. Hee~ Nijou-san also has Night Vision and Telephoto huh. Is her occupation something similar to a Hunter?

Thats reasonable. Then can you tell us what kind of appearance the Queen Ant has? Also, how did you know that it was the Queen Ant? Um it was very big. I think it was several times bigger than the normal Ant monsters. In addition, its abdomen was bulging abnormally with several ball-like protrusions in some locations. It was being protected by several warrior-like Ants as well and thats why I thought it was the Queen Ant Her voice becomes faint by the end due to her lack of confidence.

Theres little doubt that the warrior-like Ants she saw were superior individuals like the ones Nishino-kuns group and I encountered.

If they were surrounding a single entity then what Nijou saw was most likely the Queen Ant.

Even so

We found her so easily. I thought wed have to take some time locating her. Shes the Queen Ant after all. We expected her to be hiding deep underground or something. Amidst such opinions, Shibata utters a question.

But isnt this weird? Arent queen ants normally supposed to be at the deepest parts of their nests? Why is this one at such a shallow location? Hes right. Theoretically, the Queen Ant should be at the deepest layer. While one could argue that normal ants act differently from monsters, its something worth paying attention to.

Um, I was only reporting what I saw Hey, as mere students, just stay put and shut up. Are you suggesting that were lying? Before Nijou can finish what shes saying, one of my former colleagues interrupts her and glares at Shibata-kun.

Did I say you were? I just found it intriguing. To begin with, being a student doesnt matter in this situation, does it? What an impudent brat. Just by looking at your appearance, I start to wonder what kind of education you received. Whaccha just say!?

Stop, Shibata. Didnt I tell you that you have a bad habit of being provocative? Understood. Sorry.

Shibata-kun quiets down when Nishino-kun speaks up.

Hmm but what the young man said just now isnt groundless either. There should be a reason behind this. Mayor also thinks so? Indeed.

Chief Shimizu and Mayor Uesugi begin contemplating. Standing besides the two, Nijou asks if she could return to her seat. Unfortunately, neither of them hears her small voice.

Uh can I say something? Nishino-kun raises his hand amid the silence.

What is it, Nishino-kun? Dont you think the reason the Queen Ant was there has something to do with the Golem? The Golem?

Yeah. The Golem has the ability to move around freely underground. Because of that, the Ants might be unable to expand further underground. Because they dont want to be swept away by the Golems movement? Yes. Our team also explored a part of the Underground Shopping Mall. Despite being ambushed from the walls and the ceilings, none of the Ants appeared from underground. Doesnt this mean that they havent expanded below the Underground Shopping Mall yet? Nishino-kun expresses his opinion without hesitating. Honestly, he is a much better orator than Nijou.

You have a point

The mayor nods in agreement. Chief Shimizu is nodding as well.

Its quite funny, really. We were able to locate the Queen Ant thanks to the Golem Its proof that the monsters arent working together. Until now, we havent seen monsters of different races fighting together. Monsters of different species act independently. It appears that this fact has led to positive results this time around.

(On the other hand, it would be a nightmare if monsters were to work together) I shiver at the very thought of it. I doubt it would ever happen but Ill be wary of it for the time being.

All things considered, well charge into the Underground Shopping Mall tomorrow with all our weapons and pesticides to subjugate the Queen Ant. Eh? We arent going to take action today? One of my former colleagues asks.

Theyre nocturnal creatures. The sun will be going down soon. Its better to wait until tomorrow morning. Fortunately, we still have some time. You guys should take a good rest today and prepare for tomorrows decisive battle. Having answered the question, the mayor continues speaking.

Also, Fujita is currently bringing along the survivors of the Self Defense Force. The command on the field is much smoother with him around. Furthermore, the Self Defense Force members will be joining us in battle. Its always better to have more people on our side. The employees of the City Hall nod in unison. The other members are also in agreement. I guess this goes to show how much they trust in Fujita-san.

Rest well today. Tomorrow morning, Ill go into specifics about our strategy. You may leave now. Oh, by the way, dinner is at 6PM, so dont be late. We disband soon after hearing Chief Shimizu talk about the time of dinner.

We walk down the hall after leaving the meeting room.

Now then, guess well join up with our friends. They seem to have all arrived. Apparently, Nishino-kuns companions had arrived at the City Hall and were waiting in the lobby while the meeting was going on Nishino-kun looks over at me. His eyes are saying, You will come with us, right?

However, I shake my head.

Sorry, but Ill be separating from your group. Why?

Im thinking of going over to see her. Ah

Nishino-kun understands what Im saying from just that.

To persuade her?

Something like that.

Although I can simply exchange Mails, I want to meet up and talk with her about various things like Kiki.

Also, I want to see Momo. Even though its only been one day, it feels like we havent met for months.

Are you going to see Natsun? If you are, I wanna go too. Rikka-chan raises her hand.

Hmm? What? Hey, then take me with you! You arent going to say no, are you? Shibata-kun also raises his voice. He sounds really enthusiastic.

Sorry, but it would be more efficient if I go alone. And And what?

No, that

Leaving Rikka-chan aside, if I bring along Shibata-kun who is a former delinquent, Ichinose-san would throw up. Shell definitely throw up.

Ah right, Shibachis face is quite scary. I understand now. Yes, yes. Natsun would be scared of him for sure. Wha!?

Shibata-kun becomes depressed.

Give up, Shibata. Going in large numbers would make you stand out. You shouldnt complicate things by standing out.

Shibata-kun eventually gives in albeit reluctantly. Rikka-chan still seems like she wants to go together, but she holds herself back.

Then excuse me. If something occurs, please Mail me. Be careful.

Likewise. Please take your time with your friends. In this manner, I left Nishino-kuns group and headed for the building where Ichinose-san was.

The rooftop of a certain building.

When I swing open the door, Im greeted by the intense sunlight from the sunset. In front of me, I see a girl carrying a gun and a Shiba Inu lying beside her.

Ah

The girl notices me and waves her hand in my direction.

Good work, Ichinose-san, Momo. Wan! Wan!

Momo rushes up and begins to circle around me. I crouch down and lean forward, only to have her lick my face.

Haha, Momo, how were you? Wan!

I was lonely!

Momo rubs herself against me as if to say that. Since she wants me to pat her, I mofu-mofu her to my hearts content.

Ah, this sensation its been a while Thank you for your hard work, Kudou-san. Its good that youre safe. Im relieved to see that youre fine too. Ichinose-san sits next to me.

Isnt she a bit too close?

We can almost touch each others shoulders.

Its not like Im bothered as long as Ichinose-san is fine, but Ichinose-san has a face that seems somewhat satisfied.

U-Umm So, Im guessing a lot has happened? Ah, yes. I guess you can say that. To be honest, Im spent Im not at the level of Ichinose-san, but human relationships really tire me out as well.

Watching me sigh, Ichinose-san giggles.

Kyu .

Kiki pops out of my bag and lunges as Ichinose-sans shoulder.

Wa..! Uh, is this the child Kudou-san was talking about? Yes, she Kiki, a Lesser Carbuncle. Kyuu Kyuu !

As if satisfied with her, Kiki licks Ichinose-sans face.

Kyaa WaiStop That tickles Although she is saying that, she doesnt seem to dislike it. Shes stroking Kikis fur while saying, How fluffy. Wan!

Oh, whats wrong, Momo? Do you want me to stroke you more? I gently stroke Momo who does a Stroke me! appeal.

Wan

Momo lets out a satisfied bark. Im healed. The tiredness is being blown away So, Ichinose-san. How did the thing I requested of you go? Ah, about that can you first look at this? Eh?

Ichinose-san and I, both having finished mofu-mofuing, begin sharing our information.

We talk about the events that transpired in the City Hall, about Kikis abilities, about tomorrows meeting, and about Ichinose-sans new occupation and skills.

We also chat about some other things. Interestingly, our conversation flows smoothly without interruption.

By the time we finished talking about everything, the sun has set.

Well then, Ill have to return now. Ah well, yes.

Kuun

Ichinose-san and Momo reveal disappointed faces. Stop. You are making this hard for me.

Tomorrow, were likely to have our biggest battle yet. I agree.

Monitoring the City Hall ends here. Tomorrow, she will be joining us on the battlefield.

Kudou-san will be assisting them as well, correct? I suppose so. Ill help them as much as possible. After all, that was my agreement with Nishino-kun. And And?

If possible, I want them to survive. Ichinose-san smiles happily at my words.

Thats why, please rest as much as you can tonight. Youre right.

When I stand up, I see the starry sky. Below, the artificial light coming from the City Hall illuminates the town. After exchanging Good night with Ichinose-san, I leave the rooftop.

I walk back in the middle of the night and return without being detected by the surveillance.

(Fujita-san is awfully late.) They should have arrived by the evening.

Did something happen?

While suppressing my unease, I head towards where Nishino-kun and his group are.

That day Fujita-san did not return to the City Hall.

Dawn.

The seventh day arrives, and the curtain rises on the day of the decisive battle.