Please to Kitsune-sama!

Chapter 151 : Kitsune-sama Learns of the World Through the Sea

It was not about the government of the time, nor about the Awakener Associations of each nation, nor even about what the new generation of awakeners were like. It was simply that—people back then said—everyone saw hope.

A new generation of awakeners had emerged, able to fight underwater, at a time when humanity had lost its dominion over the vast seas and the oceans had once more become “terrifying unknowns.” If such men and women gathered, even a fragment of dominion over the seas might be regained. People of that era were swept up in fervor, and the new generation of awakeners truly believed themselves to be saviors.

Thus, the militaries of the world committed their naval power, which was on the verge of becoming obsolete, and even recruited awakeners as escorts, preparing themselves in full force. And then… they lost it all. Mercilessly.

“Humanity now already knows. The sea cannot be reclaimed. At best, we can protect rivers and lakes, and even fishing boats that still go out may one day be unable to. Those who didn’t believe that truth fought… but nothing changed.”

“……”

“I see,” Inari thought. Monsters had emerged from the sea during the recent incident in Itou, after all. The ocean itself must have already become a kingdom of monsters. Humanity was only holding the land, and even that could be lost if they faltered. Yet, for now, the land was defensible, while the sea was beyond hope. To accept that resignation as everyday reality—that was the age in which they now lived.

“Verily, it seems wiser to destroy these dungeons altogether.”

[Please refrain from destroying the dungeons]

“Fufu, amusing, is it not?”

As Inari brushed away the system message with annoyance, Shion gave a faint smile.

“Destroying a dungeon, huh. If only that were possible, it’d be interesting.”

“…Hm?”

“But without what we gain from dungeons, we couldn’t stand against the monsters. It’d be a lot harder in all sorts of ways. So maybe it’s better not to destroy them after all.”

Indeed, humanity had gained power to resist monsters through new substances, weapons, and armor acquired from dungeons, and their civilization itself had been transformed by a new energy—magic stones. Now, “magic stone power generation” had become the primary, perfectly clean energy source, and the word “pollution” had grown distant.

“Did you know? They say this is the most prosperous, safest, and happiest age in history. The sea may not be reclaimable now, but someday, maybe it will be. At the very least, the world has advanced greatly, and aside from monsters, there’s nothing to fear. That’s how it is.”

“Mmm… aye, that is not an incomprehensible notion.”

Wars between humans had ceased, resource problems had been solved, and civilization had advanced. From that perspective alone, only a bright future could be seen.

“Through the rise of dungeons, the children of men gained happiness that should never have been possible. If dungeons were to vanish from this world now… what would follow… aye, darkness, surely.”

Dungeons had already become deeply embedded in human civilization, indispensable. That truth could no longer be overturned. After all the problems they had solved, there would be almost no one willing to give up the current civilization.

“Tis a difficult problem.”

“It is.”

“…And so? Why is it that thou fightest? Couldst thou not live a more peaceful life?”

“Hmm… maybe because I just love being underwater.”

“Oh?”

“There used to be something called diving, you know. A pastime where people dove underwater to watch fish and things. Nowadays, that’d be suicide.”

Well, naturally. To dive into the sea now meant certain death if one encountered aquatic monsters. Even water-adapted awakeners had been slain; there was no way ordinary people could indulge in such a pastime.

“But I can. Of course, I might die, but I can dive as much as I want in the water I love. That’s why I fight ‘along the way.’ And it pays, too. That’s all there is to it.”

“Mmm… I see. There is little more to say but, do thy best.”

“Yeah. I do it because I love it.”

Inari could not help but let out a wry smile. Looking again at the girl before her—Suzuno Shion—she saw clearly that this girl possessed a unique way of thinking… including her view of life and death.

So, once more, Inari gazed at Shion directly.

Her short black hair, her skin as white as pearl—whether thanks to her job’s power or careful upkeep, Inari could not tell. Her somewhat sleepy eyes, however, held a strong will. Her body, well-proportioned for her age, was clad in a sporty shirt and jeans…

“Yet, upon closer look, thou carriest no baggage. Where are thy spare clothes or belongings?”

“Ah, didn’t I say? I don’t need those.”

With that, Shion lightly moved her hand through the air.

“Spear.”

『Trident Lancer!』

A cheerful voice rang out from nowhere, and a three-pronged spear appeared in Shion’s hand.

“See? I can do this.”

“Ooh… how marvelous.”

It had looked as though it came from nowhere, though it must be a mechanism different from Inari’s Divine Concealment. Inari had no intention of probing further… but it meant that her armaments could be drawn forth like this.

“So, you don’t need to worry about me.”

“Mhm. Seems mine was needless concern. Well, I have heard much of interest. I suppose it is time I—hm?”

As Inari tried to rise, Shion grasped her sleeve. When Inari looked at her with a questioning glance, Shion spoke.

“Hey. I’ve finished all my work for today.”

“O-oh?”

“If you’re planning to go to a dungeon, I’d like you to take me along.”