We searched for information while browsing social media.
“There’s all kinds of stuff here. More importantly, it’s complete chaos.”
There were posts from both the human and demon sides.
It was understandable that people criticized one another, but there were also those defending the opposite side, leading to endless argument threads.
Some people were even posting fairly shocking images.
The whole thing was such a mess that it was impossible to tell what was true.
“Just like Elvis said, almost none of it’s trustworthy. There are posts saying things like, ‘I know a safe shelter with plenty of food,’ but that’s obviously a lie.”
Sure sounded like one.
“I can understand why people say not to trust other humans, too.”
“Given the state of things, absolutely. And it’s been like this for ten years. We shouldn’t assume that Japanese social order still exists. It’s basically the same as the other world.”
So this was simply an extension of our life in another world.
“Can you handle it?”
“Of course. It’s a little late to ask that now, isn’t it?”
True enough.
We’d been through a lot.
Most of it involved fighting monsters, but we’d also dealt with bandits.
I still remembered how I couldn’t sleep after killing people for the first time.
“Ayaka, seriously, don’t trust anyone except us.”
“Ooh, that sounded pretty cool. You mean even our other classmates, right?”
Did my approval rating go up a little?
“Yeah. I never told the girls this, but a lot happened while we were traveling too.”
“I know. We went through things as well. Honestly, we might’ve had even more trouble than you boys.”
I see…
“We fought monsters in that world and leveled up. The mana is probably condensed experience points.”
Ten years’ worth of accumulation.
“Probably. The fastest way to grow stronger is to kill someone powerful and take their mana. I don’t know if the others learned that in the other world, but by now, we should assume everyone knows.”
Apparently both demons and humans in this world already understood that principle.
The classmates who returned would probably realize it soon enough.
As we exchanged nods, there came a knock at the door.
“Hey, you guys in there? Or should I come back in an hour or so?”
Hearing Elvis’s voice, I stood and headed for the entrance.
I opened the door and let him in.
“Elvis, stop saying weird things. You’re making Yuu-kun nervous.”
I’m not nervous anymore.
“Sorry, sorry. So, what do you think of the inn?”
Elvis sat down across from us, and I took my seat as well.
“It’s a nice place. I wish we could’ve come under normal circumstances.”
“Heh, yeah. Found any information?”
“Not yet. What about you?”
“I asked the manager here. There haven’t been any reports of unusual outsiders in Beppu.”
So Minato and Riku weren’t here?
“I see… That’s troubling.”
“They’re not weak, so I think they’re probably okay, but…”
Still, I couldn’t help worrying.
“So, you’re still planning to go to Kokura?”
“Yeah. That hasn’t changed.”
“Right.”
Ayaka nodded too.
“Got it. Then let me tell you something. Between Beppu and Kokura, there aren’t any human settlements. But there’s an ogre village.”
Ogres…
“Weren’t they the ones who lived by the motto ‘Take and take’?”
That’s what Elvis had said before.
“Yep. They’re basically a bandit gang. They use the expressway connecting this area to Kitakyushu as their base. If you take that route, a fight is practically guaranteed.”
They live on the highway?
“What about regular roads?”
“They’re still dangerous, but not as bad as the expressway. If you’re going, stick to the regular roads.”
It would take longer, but probably not by much.
We’d already waited ten years.
A little more time wasn’t a big deal.
“And about transportation…”
Now that was the important part.
Walking would be a huge undertaking.
“Kokura, huh… Well, I suppose I could drive you there.”
Seriously?
“Are you sure?”
“You already paid me plenty in mana. I said I’d pay you back, but honestly, it’s good mana. Rather than returning it, I’d rather earn it through work. Besides, I’ve been curious about the Kokura racecourse.”
Right—the one with horned horses.
Or were they even horses?
Would they talk?
Horse demons?
“That would help a lot.”
“Don’t mention it. I’ve already been compensated. And to be honest, I’m interested in you guys.”
“Sorry. I already have someone I like.”
So he actually does.
“I know, Mr. Easily-Flustered. That’s not what I mean. It’s not just about the other world—you people are strange. Unusually so. I was just wondering what your companions are like.”
Takamiya-san and Kitaura-san, huh?
“They’re about the same level as we are.”
There wasn’t much difference in strength among us.
Honestly, that was probably one reason we’d managed to stay close.
“That’s exactly it. You guys are interesting.”
Interesting?
Really?
“I’m not really sure I get it, but if you’re willing to help, that’s a relief.”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
“Don’t worry about it. So, is it fine if we head to Kokura first thing tomorrow morning? We’ll probably get there by noon.”
So it’s that close by car.
“Hey, Elvis, are there any drugstores or clothing shops in Beppu? I want to pick up a few things.”
“There are plenty of clothing stores, but drugstores are mostly out on the outskirts. Most people can use healing magic, and demons don’t really need medicine.”
Right, I can use healing magic too.
More than that, I can even make potions.
Among us, the ones who can use healing magic are me, Riku, and Takamiya-san.
“Well, I want more than just medicine. A lot of things, actually. Even stuff from ten years ago is fine.”
“Then there are a few shops in town. I’ll stop by them for you.”
“Thanks.”
“Do you need anything, Yuu?”
Hmm…
“Can I get a smartphone? Mine’s basically unusable now, but I want a new one for the future.”
“I’ll give you mine. I’ve got plenty.”
“You’ve got a lot. Do you even need that many?”
“I’ve got all kinds of work.”
What kind of work needs that many phones… farming?
Well, whatever.
“Alright, I’ll take it.”
“Here.”
Elvis tossed the phone to me, and I caught it.
“Sorry about that.”
“Don’t worry about it. More importantly, since we’re at a hot spring inn, let’s go take a bath.”
Oh right.
“Just to confirm, the baths are separated by gender, right?”
“Of course. And at this hour, there won’t be many other guests. Take your time and relax.”
“Hmm… alright, let’s go.”
We stood up, left the room, and followed Elvis’s guidance toward the large public bath.
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