265 500億オーラムの賞金首
アキラを囲む都市防衛隊の人型兵器部隊の隊長であるグートルという男は難しい判断を迫られていた。
本来ならば、相手が警告を無視した時点で消し飛ばせば済む話だ。しかしそれも相手による。機体のカメラを介して相手の顔から身元判定を実施し、対象がアキラというハンターであることはすぐに分かった。同時に、単なるハンターとして扱うには難しすぎる相手だとも分かったのだ。
にかなり高い権限を与えられている。加えて現在、都市の上位区画に坂下重工の重役が滞在していることもあり、本来坂下重工側が管理する情報の一部も都市防衛への協力としてクガマヤマ都市に閲覧許可が出ていた。
そこにはアキラの情報も載っていた。都市間輸送車両の護衛、それも大分東側の都市であるツェゲルト都市への輸送路のものを請け負い、車両を襲撃した多数の強力な人型兵器と交戦した記録に加え、坂下重工の重要人物の襲撃を試みた建国主義者の部隊と交戦して勝ったという情報まで記録されていた。
グートルがそれらの情報を閲覧した時点でアキラへの攻撃は難しくなった。下手をすると負けるからだ。
坂下重工の重要人物には、当然強力な護衛が付けられている。襲撃側もそれを知った上で襲う以上、非常に強力な部隊であったことは間違いない。アキラがその襲撃者達に勝った以上、アキラの実力も下手をするとその護衛並みに強い恐れがある。どれほど強いかは不明だが、坂下重工の何らかの人物の護衛に付いていたハーマーズという者の強さはグートルも知っていた。最近ミハゾノ街遺跡で暴れていたからだ。
「こちら6番機。隊長、大規模な戦闘反応の原因と思われる大型モンスターを確認しました。既に倒されています」
「了解した。個体の原形はどの程度残っている? 種類等の特定は可能か? 一体何だったんだ?」
「何だと!? そこまでの大型だと、並の都市間輸送車両ぐらい単機で潰せる脅威度だぞ!? 何でそんなやつがここに......、相当な高度か、東側領域にしかいないはずだ......、クソッ! どうなってる!」
グートルとしては何かの間違いだと思いたかった。だが都市からでも観測できた大規模な戦闘反応を考えると
「最後の警告だ! 武装を解除しろ!」
「断る!!」
に死ぬ覚悟は出来ている。だが覚悟があるからといって安易に交戦を選び、不用意に都市に被害を出す訳にはいかない。しかし引き下がる訳にもいかない。相手はどこか興奮状態だ。このまま都市に向かわせる訳にはいかない。
グートルは本当に難しい判断を迫られていた。
アキラもギリギリだった。不要な戦闘は避けたいと思っている。だが引く訳にはいかない。武器を捨てて投降しても
やはり戦うしかないのか。逃げ場もなく、戦うのであれば、自分から仕掛けた方が良いか。アキラは冷静であろうとしているが、心の奥底から敵を殺せと叫ぶ声も続いている。その声を聞き続けている内に、冷静に戦闘を肯定する理由と根拠を探してしまう。非常に険しい顔でそちら側の覚悟を決めようとしてしまう。
だがその時、隊長機からグートルの声が出る。
「分かった! 武装解除も投降もしなくて良い!」
その内容にアキラは思わず意外そうな顔を浮かべた。そこにグートルのより強い口調での話が続く。
「ただし! この場で事情を聞かせてもらう! この場でだ! 状況の把握が終わるまで、これ以上クガマヤマ都市に近付くのは認めない! この要求が
そこにアルファも真面目な顔で口を挟む。
『アキラ、一度仕切り直しましょう。休息も弾薬の補給も必要よ。不要な敵を減らす努力もね。彼女の居場所はまたヴィオラに調べてもらって、改めて殺しにいきましょう。向こうが先に引いたわ。アキラも引きなさい。ね?』
そしてアルファはアキラを落ち着かせるように優しく
クロエ達の車両はクガマヤマ都市のスラム街に入り、そのまま下位区画の防壁側に進もうとしていた。
リオンズテイル社の要人輸送にも使用される大型装甲車両も、人型兵器3機がかりで止められてはどうしようもなかった。機体に貼り付かれたまま強引に進もうとして機体ごと周囲の建物に衝突し、数棟を半壊全壊させながらスラム街を進んだが、
車両の扉が開いてクロエ達が出てくると、部隊の銃口がクロエ達に一斉に向けられる。ラティス達が即座に応戦の体勢を取ったが、クロエがそれを手で制した。
部隊長の男がそれを見てクロエの対処を決める。
「ご同行願おう。拘束しないだけ有り難いと思ってもらいたいね」
クロエが全くたじろがずに
「お気遣い有り難く。では、案内して頂ける?」
「......こっちだ」
男はクロエの余裕の態度を僅かに
「......こちらの指示にそう大人しく従うのであれば、もっと早くそう出来なかったのかね?」
「申し訳御座いません。我が社にも事情というものがありまして。それに、都市の圏内と荒野では、いろいろと違いますでしょう?」
最低でも都市の下位区画に入らないとリオンズテイル社所属の者という安全保障が通用しないと判断したのか、
「なあ、いつまで待てば良いんだ?」
「まだだ。上の決定待ちなんだから大人しく待ってろ。ここで黙って待つのが嫌なら他所の都市に行け。何なら送ってやる」
「俺の家はクガマヤマ都市にあるんだよ」
「駄目だ。クガマヤマ都市には近付かせない」
アキラが再び深い
「知るか。向こうが襲ってきたから反撃しただけだ」
アキラは既に自分で分かる範囲での事情の説明を終えていた。その内容を聞いたグートルは自身の権限で判断する領域を超えているとして、詳細を上に報告して判断を投げた。リオンズテイル社の者との取引で
「クロエってやつ、連行されてるのか?」
「当たり前だ。見逃す訳がないだろう」
都市側はクロエ達だけ見逃した訳ではない。アキラはそれを知って僅かに
クガマヤマ都市側はクロエ達を防壁内にある防衛隊の施設まで連行して取り調べを進めていた。それでもクロエには来賓用の部屋を用意し、都市の管理職に対応させていた。これはクロエがリオンズテイル社の創業者一族であるという配慮に加えて、連行中のクロエの態度が非常に従順であり、普通に事情を聞けそうなので取調室に連れていくほどではないと判断されたからだ。
そして相手がリオンズテイル社の創業者一族ということもあり、クガマヤマ都市側もそれなりの地位の人物、最低でも都市の幹部を出す必要があった。社内での調整後、担当者となったウダジマは連行中のクロエの様子を部下から聞いて、下手な権力を持った子供の相手をしなければならないような事態は避けられたと、内心で
ちに変わった。取り調べが始まり、ウダジマに向けて金切り声を上げるクロエは、まさに下手な権力を持った子供だった。
「私を誰だと思っているの!? リオンズテイル社の、ローレンスの一族なのよ!? 分かってるの!?」
「落ち着いてください。我々も事情が知りたいだけなのです」
「何度も話してるでしょう!? 聞いてないの!?」
「ですから、先程から何度も言っている取引も出来ないモンスターとは、このアキラというハンターのことなのですか? それとも機械化兵隊蜂類の方で?」
クロエ達が都市への進入を強行した理由が、ハンターに追われたからなのか、モンスターに追われたからなのかは、都市側にとって非常に重要であり、しっかり確認を取らなければならない。だがクロエはアキラと機械化兵隊蜂類の区別を
です。こちらも防衛隊を派遣して事態の対処を試みました」
「だったら何の問題があるって言うのよ! 逃げずに戦えとでも言いたいの? そんなの私の仕事じゃないわ! そっちの仕事でしょう!?」
再び調子に乗り始めた笑みを浮かべたクロエに向けて、ウダジマが少し真顔で告げる。
「ええ。こちらの仕事です。ですので、お前を都市襲撃犯として拘束する」
驚いたような声を出すクロエの前で、ウダジマは2名の警備員を呼び寄せた。そして指示を出す。
警備員は顔を見合わせて困惑したが、上司の指示に従いクロエの両腕を
クロエが慌てた様子で声を荒らげる。
「都市に強力なモンスターを連れてきた者は都市襲撃犯として扱われる。そんなことも知らなかったのか? それとも、我々がリオンズテイル社の者である自分を都市襲撃犯として扱うなんて有り得ないとでも思っていたのか?
「全く、リオンズテイル創業者一族の娘だと期待すれば、あれか。考えが甘かったか......」
ツバキの管理区画の実務的な担当はヤナギサワだが、そこは一応はイナベの担当区画なのでイナベの権限も強い。加えてヤナギサワは坂下重工との折衝、特にシロウの捜索に忙しく、ツバキの管理区画の仕事の優先順位を大分下げていた。当然ながらイナベの仕事が増える。そしてイナベの仕事が増えた分だけ権限も増え、ツバキの管理区画の利権に何とか関わりたいと思う者達が、その機会を得ようとイナベに接触する。それはイナベの地位をより高く強固なものへ変えていた。
そしてウダジマは反イナベの派閥扱いをされているので、ツバキの管理区画の利権には関われない。イナベに頭を下げれば可能かもしれないが、ウダジマにも意地があり、そのような
「......まあ、あれでも、リオンズテイル社の創業者一族の者なんだ。見捨てはしないはずだ。一族の他の者と接触する材料にはなるだろう」
クロエをより良い条件で解放する交渉材料として、クガマヤマ都市が何らかの利益を得られれば、自分の地位も多少は上向くだろう。リオンズテイル社との伝も得られるかもしれない。ウダジマはそう考えて気を切り替えると、クロエが出ていった扉に視線を向けた。そしてあのような者にも
そして両側の警備員達に丁寧に話し掛ける。
「お手数をお掛けしております。拘禁は軟禁でも地下
それに気付いた警備員達は思わずクロエから腕を放してしまう。すぐに、しまった、と思ったが、クロエは丁寧に頭を下げた後は逃げたり暴れたりする様子を一切見せずに従順にしており、まあ良いか、と思い直してしまう。
それでも警備員達もクロエの余りの変わりように困惑していた。一度部屋に戻りウダジマに伝えた方が良いかと僅かに迷う。
新賞金首周知通知。名称、アキラ。賞金額、500億オーラム。支払元、リオンズテイル東部三区支店。モンスター認定、クガマヤマ都市。
アキラは現時点を
『アキラ! 落ち着きなさい! 大丈夫よね!?』
『......大丈夫だ』
同じ過ちを繰り返すなと、アキラは自身に強く
だ! 気が変わって俺達と戦う気になったとでも言う気か?」
「通知? 何のことだ? ......いや待て、キバヤシという者から通知が来た。......お前と戦うのはちょっと待て、という内容だな。指揮系統外からの要望なので従う義務は無いが......、何か関係があるのか?」
『......お前か?』
だがその殺気混じりの声も、絶好調のキバヤシの態度を揺るがすことは出来なかった。興奮気味な声が返ってくる。
『いや、違う! ああ、もう通知を確認したんだな? それなら書いてあっただろう? お前に賞金を懸けたのはリオンズテイル社だ! 俺じゃねえよ!』
『......ちょっと待て、どういうことなんだ?』
『お前のことだ! どうせ賞金首になった意味も分かってないんだろう! それで変な勘違いをして、
『俺の護衛? 何でだ? 俺は賞金首になったんじゃないのか?』
『その辺も含めてしっかり説明してやる! 今から行く! もう向かってる! だから、そこで、ちゃんと、待ってるんだぞ! いいな? 分かったな?』
Ch 265
The leader of the powered suit squad from the Kugamayama city, Guutol, was pressed with a difficult decision.
Normally, they would just kill Akira since he had rejected their demand. But they could not do so, easily, this time. As the outside camera was directed at Akira, it quickly identified him. Hunter by the name of Akira, who had added a system note - a dangerous Hunter.
The commander of the defence squad was given high-level privilege so that he would have no trouble doing his duty. Furthermore, at the moment, a high ranking officer from Sakashita Heavy Industry was in the upper district of the city. As a form of cooperation between Sakashita Heavy Industry and City Management, they were sharing information between them.
That was where Akira's information came in. It included records from when he escorted the inter-city transport to the Zegelt city. This job took place in the eastern side of the eastern district. He fought against multiple powerful monsters as well as powered suits, and to top it off, repelled a group of Nationalists that had originally come to kidnap an important officer from Sakashita Heavy Industry and won.
After Guutol skimmed through Akira's information, he understood that attacking him would be a terrible idea. There was a good chance that the whole squad would get wiped out.
It was a given that an important officer from Sakashita Heavy Industry would be guarded by a powerful bodyguard. The Nationalists would have known about it. Therefore, they would have sent powerful combatants to kidnap the officer. The fact that Akira had won against them, meant that he might be as powerful as that bodyguard. Although they had no idea how powerful such a person would be, Guutol at least knew how powerful a certain bodyguard from Sakashita Heavy Industry by the name of Hammerz was. After all, he was there during a recent battle near Mihazono ruin.
"This is Unit 6. Commander, we've confirmed that the monster, which might be the source of that large battle signal just a moment ago, is dead."
"Got it. Does it still retain some of its original shape? Can you at least tell what kind of monster it is?"
"What!? Even a common inter-city transport vehicle would be destroyed in no time against that thing, you know? Why the heck is it doing here!? They should be only way further to the east or way up ... Dammit! What the heck is going on here!?"
Personally speaking, Guutol wished that it was a mistake. However, that monster matched the predictive size from its signal during that battle. Since it was already dead, it meant that someone must have killed it. Adding to the information that he had received about Akira, it was impossible not to suspect Akira of killing it.
"This is my last warning! Drop your weapon!"
"I refuse!"
Of course, Guutol had the resolve to forfeit his life in order to protect Kugamyama city. But given the option, he would still pick a better situation to fight. He could not afford to endanger the city. However, that did not mean he could just back off. Akira was not in a calm state of mind. He could not allow Akira to go back to the city in his current state.
Guutol was really stuck in between two hard choices.
Akira was also close to pulling the trigger. He wanted to avoid any unnecessary fights. But it was not like he could simply back off either. He already believes that lowering his rifle now would only lead to nothing good. Moreover, even if he decided to escape, those surrounding him did not seem to be willing to just let him go.
As his thoughts gradually moved towards fighting being the only choice, then it was better to make the first strike. Although Akira's logical mind was still functional, deep inside him, he could hear a voice screaming at him to kill everything in his way. While listening to that voice, even Akira's calm side was looking for a good reason to start a fight. He frowned and was close to finally making his resolve.
But suddenly, Guutol said to Akira.
"Alright, I get it! You don't need to disarm!"
Akira did not expect that at all. However, Guutol did not stop there as he continued with a stern tone.
"But! You'll have to tell me exactly what went on! And you have to do it here! Until we understand what's going on, we can't let you get any closer to Kugamayama city! If you can't accept this, we will have no other choice but to arrest you with force! So, what say you!?"
Right after that, Alpha immediately interjected.
"Akira, let's stop here for now. You need to rest and resupply, and also, calm down so as not to make any more unnecessary enemies. We can ask Viola to investigate her whereabouts again later and properly prepare to kill her. They've basically withdrawn, so you should withdraw as well."
Alpha then smiled gently at Akira to help him to calm down.
Chloe's APC eventually reached Kugamayama city, the APC just went through the slums and headed straight toward the inner wall in the lower district.
Although it was a heavily armoured APC made to protect an important officer of the Lion Steel company, as expected, it did not have the horsepower to go against three powered suits. It did try to force its way through as it recklessly went through buildings, but it eventually came to a halt. The reinforcement from the city defence squad that the powered suit had called beforehand quickly surrounded the APC.
The doors of the APC opened, and the moment Chloe and her servants stepped out, the city defence squad aimed their rifles at them. Latis quickly took a fighting stance, but Chloe stopped him with a waft of her hand.
The leader of the squad saw that and immediately decided what to do.
"I hope that you will cooperate. Be thankful that we are not arresting you."
Chloe was not perturbed at all as she simply smiled and said.
"Thank you. So then, can you lead the way?"
"...This way then."
The man speaking was a bit surprised by how calm Chloe was. However, he still led Chloe into the inner wall. At the same time, he sent a glance to his men. His men understood what they had to do as they immediately proceeded to arrest Latis and the others. At first, Latis and the rest were uncertain whether to just let themselves get arrested or to fight back. Chloe then lightly shook her head, so they decided to stand down.
"...If you could have instructed your men to calm down with just that, couldn't you have done it sooner?"
"My apologies. It's a complicated matter related to the main company, you see. Also, it's different here and there. Here, we are in the city while over there is the wasteland."
He could not tell if Chloe purposely allowed her subordinates to act out because her safety as an officer from the Lion Steel was only guaranteed when she was within the lower district of the city. It could be because of something else. However, it was not like he could figure it out now, so he proceeded to take Chloe inside without saying anything.
"Hey, just how long do I need to wait here?"
"You still need to stay here. We're still awaiting decisions from those back at base. So, just wait here and don't try anything funny. If you don't want to wait, feel free to go to another city. As a matter of fact, we can escort you there."
"My house is over here, you know?"
"No. We can't let you get any closer to Kugamayama city."
Akira heaved another huge sigh. Guutol, who heard that, also sighed and exasperatedly said.
"Hell if I care! They attacked me first so I'm just paying back the favour."
Akira already told Guutol what he knew. After listening to his explanation, Guutol believed that this matter was something he could not handle. This issue far exceeded his authority to deal with. Therefore, he bounced what he had learnt to his superior and now was awaiting a reply. After all, no normal person could handle a Hunter that broke down negotiations with the Lion Steel company and survived a full-blown fight with them. More so, attract a monster from the upper region to come down, and kill said monster.
"So, Chloe is basically under arrest?"
"Of course, there's no way we will let them get away."
Since it seemed like City Management would not simply let Chloe go scot-free, Akira relaxed a bit and decided to wait a little longer.
Back in Kugamayama city, Chloe was arrested and brought to a city defence squad's facility for further investigation and questioning. Even so, she was given a room meant for visitors and was treated like a city officer. The reason being that she was a part of the founder family of the Lion Steel company and was cooperative. Therefore, they believe there was no need to take her to the interrogation room.
Considering the status of her family, she was someone with high standing in Kugamayama city. They might even have to send an officer from the city to deal with her. After a short discussion with the company, the officer who was responsible for questioning Chloe, Udajima, went to check with those who arrested her. As he went into the room, he was relieved to hear that she was not just another brat with too much power.
But that relief was immediately crushed. The moment Udajima started questioning her, she started screaming back, exactly like a spoiled brat with too much power.
"Who do you think I am!? I'm from Lorentz house, you know!? The founder family of the Lion Steel company! Do you really understand who you are talking to!?"
"Please calm down. We just want to know what exactly happened."
"Didn't I tell you before!? Were you not listening!?"
"When you said a monster who would not listen to reason, were you referring to the Hunter named Akira? Or is it that cyborg soldier wasp?"
It was important for the city defence squad to make sure whether Chloe was running toward the city because she was being attacked by a Hunter or by a monster. They needed to make that one thing clear. However, Chloe kept referring to that wasp monster and Akira as the same, making it difficult to differentiate them. Furthermore, she kept blaming it on the listener's lack of ability to understand.
"Of course. In fact, we did dispatch our men to deal with the situation."
"Then there's no problem with it, right!? Or are you telling me to just face that monster and not to run away!? That is not my job, you know!? Your job!"
As Chloe started to smile haughtily again, Udajima then said with a solemn, straight face.
"That is indeed our job, as such, you are arrested for trying to attack the city."
In front of a shocked Chloe, Udajima called out two guards and ordered them to arrest her.
The guards looked at each other with a troubled expression. Since it was an order from their superior, they grabbed Chloe's arm and arrested her.
Chloe flusteredly tried to fight back.
"People who bring monsters to the city are guilty of endangering the city. You didn't even know that, huh? Or did you think we would never accuse you just because you're from the Lion Steel company? Get off your high horse already."
"Good grief, and here I thought that it would go at least half-decently considering that it was someone from the main founder family of the Lion Steel company. I guess I was too naive, huh..."
The officer responsible for the area under Tsubaki was Yanagisawa, but it was also part of the region under Inabe's control. As such, Inabe had a good influence in that area as well. Moreover, at the moment, Yanagisawa was busy with Sakashita Heavy Industry. He was busy in search of Shirou, so he had delegated most of his administrative duties in that area. As such, most of Yanagisawa's duties went to Inabe and those who wanted to make some kind of connection with Tsubaki would, in turn, approach Inabe. This caused Inabe's position to strengthen even further.
Since Udajima was regarded as a part of the opposition faction, he was not given any chance to have anything to do with the area under Tsubaki. He might get a chance if he pleaded with Inabe, but Udajima had his pride. Therefore, there was no way he would ask Inabe.
"...Well, although she is like that, she is still someone from the founder family of the Lion Steel company. There's no way they would just abandon her. She'll at least serve as a bridge to connect to someone else from her family."
If he could bring more profits to Kugamayama city in exchange for releasing Chloe under better terms, Udajima might be able to regain some of his influence. Furthermore, he would also gain a connection to the Lion Steel company. As Udajima thought so and looked at the door where Chloe got dragged out, he felt envious. He was pondering how, in this world, such a girl held such influence just by being born in the right family.
She then glanced at the guards and gracefully said to them.
"I am really sorry for causing trouble to both of you. I don't really mind whether it is a cell in the basement or just house arrest. Though, can you please let me have access to the web? Of course, a general line would be fine as well. I don't mind recording it as well."
The guards who noticed that let Chloe's arms go by pure reflex. The moment they did that, they realised that they made a grave mistake. However, even after she was free, Chloe did not try to run away nor fight back. She simply perfected her bow. Therefore, the guards thought that it was not that big of an issue.
Even so, the guards were confused by her sudden change of attitude. They thought it might be a good idea to let Udajima, who was still in the room, know about this. However, before they did, Chloe smiled and asked.
It was a bounty notice. The name, Akira. Reward, 50 billion Aurum. Requester, Lion Steel Eastern District Third Ward Branch. Target was identified as a monster by Kugamayama city.
Right now, Akira was designated as a bounty target.
"Akira, Calm down! You're okay, right?!"
"...Yeah, I'm okay."
Akira told himself to stay calm. To not repeat his past mistake. But, his rage started to leak from his expression. His stance slowly slid to a fighting one and it was obvious that he was livid.
"What is it now? Did you change your mind and decided to fight us now?"
"Message? What do you mean? Wait... I just got a short message from Kibayashi... It's telling me to refrain from engaging you. Well, he's not my superior so I have no reason to obey him, but... Does it have anything to do with this?"
"...So, it was you, huh?"
But his ice-cold voice did not affect Kibayashi's good mood at all. Instead, he replied with an upbeat tone.
"Nope, not me. Ahh, so you've checked the notice, huh? Then, I'm sure you've read the content, right? The one putting a bounty on your head is the Lion Steel company! Not me!"
"...Wait for a sec, what are you talking about?"
"About you! I'm sure you don't understand what it means to be a bounty target, right!? So, I'm just worried you'll misunderstand, get too emotional, and do something reckless, you know!? You've been doing great being super reckless up until now. So, it would be such a waste if you die in such a stupid fashion, you know!? If you're going to die, make sure you die in glorious battle!"
"My bodyguard? Why? I'm a bounty target, you know?"
"I'll tell you everything later! I'm heading there right now! So just wait and don't do anything crazy, yeah!? You heard me loud and clear, yeah?"
Rebuild World (WN)
リビルドワールド
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/rebuild-world/
Action Adventure Drama Harem Mecha Mystery Sci-fi Seinen
Abandoned Children Adapted to Manga Adventurers Alternate World Anti-social Protagonist Apocalypse Artificial Intelligence Beautiful Female Lead Cautious Protagonist Child Protagonist Dense Protagonist Determined Protagonist Distrustful Protagonist Futuristic Setting Gangs Gunfighters Harsh Training Lack of Common Sense Male Protagonist Manipulative Characters Monsters Near-Death Experience Older Love Interests Poor Protagonist Poor to Rich Ruthless Protagonist Shota Sudden Strength Gain Survival Twisted Personality Unlucky Protagonist Weak to Strong
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9736dt/
非公開