一瞬で、世界が光に覆い尽くされる。
そう誤解してもおかしくないほどの爆発的な閃光の直後、内臓ごとどこかに持っていかれるような浮遊感に襲われた。
そして次の瞬間にはもう浮遊感は消えていた。
ふと感じた人の気配に安堵し、蔵人はうっすらと瞼を開いて視線を巡らせる。
生徒たちがざわざわとしはじめ、三人の先生たちが動揺しながらもなだめていた。奇声や嘆きの声が早くも上がり始めていた。
ここはどこなんだと。
なぜこんなところにと。
帰してくれと。
【世界の狭間に漂う者たちよ】
脳内に声とおぼしきものが響いた。
不思議と落ち着いた。絶対の母性であったようにも思う。
【残念ながら貴方達は召喚されてしまいました】
不思議と意味はすっと理解できた。理解できたが、意味がわからない。
【ここではない別の世界で、とある才あふれる未熟なものが、戯れに存在しないはずの勇者召喚を成功させてしまいました】
ふざけるなっ、私たちをもとにかえせっと一年Aクラスの体育教師がどなり声をあげる。
それをかわきりに生徒たちも次々と声をあげ始めた。
【――地球はすでに私の管理から巣立っておりましたので召喚を防ぐことはできず、貴方達を召喚した世界は私の管理が及んでいるところではありません】
【今は、召喚によって起きた世界間移動の、全てが曖昧なときだからこそ、こうして私が貴方達に干渉できているのです】
さらに教師が声を上げようとしたが声がそれを遮った。
【これから貴方達のいく世界は、地球のように人が支配している地ではありません。手に負えない危険がすぐそばにあります】
その厳しい声に誰もが喉を詰まらせる。
まるで、幼いころに母親に叱られているときのようであった。
【言葉はわからない、武力もない、魔力もない貴方たちでは、あまりにも無力な世界です】
そしてすぐにふっと声を和らげる。
【そんな場所に貴方達を放り込むのは忍びありません。ですから貴方たちには最低限の力を授けます。まず、言葉と、適応できる身体を】
全員が青く光る。
【そして、その身を、仲間を守る
剣の形に白くボウっと光る塊が、ひとりひとりの前に浮かび上がった。
全員が自然と警戒することなくそれを手にしていた。
【それではお行きなさい、我が子たちよ。せめて健やかならんことを願っています】
我が子?と疑問に思う間もなく、身体が黒く光りだした。どこかに引っ張られるような感覚もある。
その時であった。
その背中は一年生の......名前までは知らなかった。
顔だけはなんとか思いだせた。勝気でプライドの高そうな。噂ではどこかの社長の息子だとか。先生の間で噂になったのを覚えていた。
でなければ顔も覚えていなかったかもしれない。入学して半年の生徒の名前は愚か、顔もあやしいのだから。
怒りを向ける相手もなく蔵人は茫然とするほかない。
【愚かな。今いるものたちよ、安心なさい。あちらの世界にいったならば、その
蔵人は自分もこのまま召喚されるのだろうと思うと、悲観した。
市立桜ケ丘高等学校、一年生二十五名、二年生二十五名、三年生二十五名、教師三名、用務員一名、総勢七十九名は地球から、別の世界に召喚された。
【......ああ、哀れな子よ。申し訳ありません】
蔵人はまだ飛んでいなかった。
白い空間に一人ぽつねんと残されていたのだ。
【一人につき一つしか存在しない
蔵人はなんとなくそうだろうなとも思ったし、そもそも考えると盗まれた自分が悪いともいえる。こんなところで窃盗をとがめるものは誰もいないのだから。
とはいえ、許す気も毛頭なかったが。
【見も知らぬ土地での唯一のつながりなのです、あまり物騒なことは考えてはいけませんよ】
声の主は、それ以上を言うわけにはいかなかった。
これからいく世界を恨まないように、呪わないように。
を盗んだ愚かな子も、まだここにいるはずだった。
だがそれは、あちらの世界に阻まれて、かなわなかった。
所属する世界の管理権に基づいた、世界の正当な力の行使は、全てに優先される。
すでに彼らは、あちらの世界の物だった。
蔵人はしかし、すでに、決めていた。
許す気は、ない、と。
【......しかし、困りましたね】
困ったような声を聞きながらも、蔵人は盗まれたことをまだ考えていた。
それなら、もう関わりたくないなと。
就職が失敗したこともそうだし、どうにも自分は社会に適応しづらいなと考えていた。
努力が足りないのだと言われれば否定はできないし、我慢が足りないのだと言われば間違っていないとも思う。
ただ、自分がしたいなぁと思うことは、極めた状態でこそ社会で必要とされて稼ぎになるのであって、それ以外の段階はなんの役にも立たない。
相手や物事が間違っていると思えば融通も我慢も利かなくなるし、はっきりと抗議もしてしまう。それが自らの不平不満ではなく、正当なものであったとしても、そうしてしまうと社会では上手くいかなかった。
いや、関われないというのが正しいかもしれない。
自分は社会に上手く適応できなかったのだ。卑下するわけでも、被害者面するわけでもない。それが事実なだけだ。
できないなりに、警備員や清掃員、用務員などをこなしてきたのだ。
すべてバイトか契約社員だったが。
蔵人はだから、考えていた。
召喚後は彼らから距離を取ると。
契約社員の用務員さん、というつながりがなくなった以上、我慢してまで一緒にいる理由はなかった。
低い賃金で、出世などのぞむべくもなく、契約の更新すらない。
ゆえに帰属意識や愛社精神、プロ意識などあるはずもなく。
それでもできる限り最大限、仕事はまじめにやったのだから、それで責められることはないはずだ。
【......ではどこか別の場所に召喚をずらしましょうか。人の行いである召喚を、私がやめさせることはできませんが、それくらいならば】
思わぬ提案に蔵人は目を輝かせた。
あたかも心を読んだかのような返答であったことも考えずに。
できれば雪山とか砂漠とか人が少ないとこをお願いしたいとすら思っていた。蔵人は雪国出身であったし、その反動なのか砂漠への浪漫ももっていた。とはいえ前人未到の砂漠とか、死の雪山だとかそういうところを考えていたわけではなく、できれば辺境のちょっと手前くらい、ほどよい程度より少なめに人がいる生活圏のわずかばかり外の雪山か砂漠がいいと。
細かい上に、図々しい願いであった。
【......言ったようにあちらの世界は魔獣や
それでも蔵人は食料と水、あとは雨風さえしのげればいいとさえ思っていた。
【......食料と水を一年分に、あちらの世界での一般的な魔法教本、ナイフくらいしか用意できませんよ?貴方だけを優遇するわけにもいきませんし、あちらの世界に過剰に干渉するわけにもいかないのですから】
母がいうことを聞かないバカな子をたしなめるように言う。
だが、バカな子は頷いてしまう。
嬉しそうに。
蔵人はぺこりと頭を下げると、黒い光に包まれて消えていった。
誰もいなくなった空間で、声のみが響く。
【何もできない母を恨みなさい。理不尽なる世界を、それでも呪ってはなりません。願わくば、あちらの世界を恨まず、幸多き人生があらんことを】
【盗んだ子とて、我が子は我が子。その子の幸せを願うのは愚かな母なのでしょうね。しかし、ここで奪った
In an instant the world was entirely covered in a bright light.
Immediately after the unusual bright flash everyone felt as if they were floating.
In the next moment the sensation of suspension disappeared along with the blinding light.
Feeling a sense of relief Kurando slowly raised his eyelids.
The students began talking amongst themselves as the 3 shakened teachers tried to calm them down. The number of strained voices full of confusion and tension gradually increased.
"Where are we?"
"Why are we in such a place?"
"When will we be able to go home?"
[(You all are currently drifting in between the universe's infinite s.p.a.ce.)] 
A voice like sound resonants in their head.
It is calm, mysterious and unquestionably maternal.
[(I'm sorry to say, but all of you are being summoned.)] 
Although, they could comprehend what was said, they didn't understand what it meant.
[(In another world different from this one an inexperienced genius, overflowing with talent, jokingly succeeded in summoning heroes to their world.)] 
In disbelief the (1st year cla.s.s) gym teacher raised his voice in objection.
And then, one after another the students begin to raise their voice.
[(I cannot prevent the summoning because you all are no longer on Earth, and thus you all are no longer under my management. I do not have any control over the world you all are being summoned to either.)] 
[(As of now, I can only intervene because you all are vaguely traveling through the universe.)] 
A teacher tried to further voice their concern, but was interrupted.
[(From here on the world you all are going to is not entire controlled by humans, like on Earth. There will be unimaginable amounts of danger lurking everywhere.)] 
made a lump form in everyone's throat that prevented them from speaking up.
It felt similar to how a mother scolds her child for misbehaving.
[(You all will not understand the world's language, and nor do you all have the power to resist as none of you possess magic. You all would be hopelessly powerless in that world.)] 
The voice unexpectedly softens.
[(I will not abandon you all into such a place unprepared. Therefore, I will grant everyone a small amount of power. First of all, everyone will be adjusted to that world's language. And then, a body that can adapt.)] 
Everyone is engulfed in blue light.
[(Now, I will grant you all the power to protect yourselves and your companions.)] 
A ma.s.s of light begins to form in front of everyone; slowly it takes the shape of a sword.
Naturally everyone was not on guard. Without incident occuring they obtained it.
[(Now then, go forth my children. Remain in good health.)] 
"My child?" There didn't seem to be any problems. From their body a dark light is emitting; it felt as if they were being pulled away.
And then, at that time.
Kurando saw the back of a 1st year student...... the person's name he did not know.
He only managed to recall the person's face. Rumor has it that person is apparently the prideful son of some company president. Anyways, he heard the rumor from teachers gossiping.
However, Kurando might not have remembered what the person exactly looked like. It is foolish to try and remember the full names of half the students in the school. Therefore, it might not be the correct face.
Not having the other party present, Kurando can only shown a dumbfounded expression.
[(Foolishness. For those of you who are present, do not worry. When you are in the other world your power will solidify and then afterward it cannot be stolen from you. As for what has occurred here, it is inexcusable.)] 
When Kurando thought he would also be summoned as is, he became pessimistic.
From Sakuragaoka high school: 25 first-year students, 25 second-year students, 25 third-year students, 3 teachers, and 1 Janitor; 79 people in total were summoned from Earth to another world.
[(...... Ah, dear child. I am truly sorry.)] 
Kurando had yet to be spirited away.
He alone was left in the white s.p.a.ce.
[(There exist only one sword (power) per person. For that reason I cannot give you another sword (power). And, once someone reaches the other world the sword (power) will attach to the soul and the ability cannot be recovered. Your sword was able to be stolen because while you are here your existence is not complete. Normally one wouldn't be able to steal another person's ability (sword).)] 
Kurando is somewhat satisfied with the explanation. In the first place he never considered that someone would try to steal another's sword (ability). As the student that is at fault is nowhere to be found Kurando has no one to blame.
Nevertheless, he couldn't stop himself from feeling down.
[(They will be your only connection in the unknown land that you'll be going to; it is best to not think such dangerous thoughts.)] 
The motherly voice prevent Kurando from saying anything more.
"Afterwards, do not resent the world, and do not curse it."
In truth, the foolish child that stole the sword (ability) should be nearby.
However, in the other world there is no way to keep Kurando away from them.
Once they became a residence of that world the power will be rightfully theirs.
As of now, it is already too late for they have become a resident of the other world.
Kurando had already decided.
He won't forgive them.
[(......indeed, it is problematic.)] 
Although he hears the concerned voice, Kurando still couldn't stop thinking about what was stolen from him.
wanted nothing to do with them.
In j.a.pan he had failed to find proper employment; anyhow, Kurando could only think about how he wasn't able to find his place in society.
Kurando couldn't deny that he didn't put enough effort into it, but it would be wrong to say he didn't try.
He thought it was society's fault for requiring a certain amount of income. And, because of that Kurando was never able to get pa.s.s that step and get to where he wanted to be.
It is a mistake to call them Kurando's companions. He can no longer tolerate them and clearly he rejects them. Kurando can't complain even if he is in the right. Society was the one that drove him away.
Maybe, distancing himself for them isn't the correct way to go about it?
Perhaps, this is the reason why Kurando never successfully fit into society. Although he belittles himself and plays the victim, Kurando is not completely innocent. That is merely a fact.
Because, Kurando couldn't take being a security guard or a garbage collector, he chosen to be a janitor.
A part-time contract employee at that.
And, that is why Kurando is thinking things over.
After the summoning Kurando thought about putting distance between himself and them.
There is nothing to be lost since to them Kurando was simply their contact janitor. For Kurando there was no reason for him to tolerate staying with them.
His wage was low. There was no promotion options. And, there was no renewal for Kurando's contract.
Therefore, Kurando had no duty to them. There is no need for professionalism.
Nevertheless, they can't blame him because Kurando made sure to do his work properly.
[(......then, what location should I s.h.i.+ft your arrival to? Although I can't prevent the summoning, I can change your arrival location to somewhere different.)] 
Kurando's eyes sparkle upon hearing the proposal.
The G.o.d had read his mind and gave Kurando the answer he was searching for.
If possible Kurando wanted to go somewhere there are few people; he thought about someplace like a snowy mountain or desert would be good. Kurando is originally from an area with a cold climate. He also had fantasize about living in the desert. Although if it could not be there, he thought a place like something in between a frontier and a snowy mountain/ desert would be best.
The details are trivial but that is what Kurando wants.
[(......I must warn you, in the other world magical beast and monsters run rampant; are you sure?)] 
Kurando will need food and water. He will also have to endure the climate and weather.
[(......one-year's-supply of food and water, a magic textbook containing the other world's general knowledge, and a knife? I cannot give you preferential treatment; therefore when you cross over to the other world, I will not be able to intervene.)] 
The way it was said, it sounded like a mother scolding a foolish child.
However, the foolish child simply nods.
Kurando appears delighted.
Kurando does a slight bow before vanis.h.i.+ng in a dark light.
There is no one left in the blank s.p.a.ce. The voice doesn't make a sound.
[(I curse being a useless mother. Although it is an absurd world, I do not curse it. I pray that you all will not blame the other world. My you all be blessed.)] 
[(Oh child who steals, you are still my child. I'm a foolish mother that still wishes that child good fortune. However, I do not know as to whether that child was able to harness the power of that sword. There truly is a web of fortune and misfortune intertwining together. Ah, I am indeed a foolish mother. I wish all my children good fortune.)]
Because Janitor-san Is Not a Hero
用務員さんは勇者じゃありませんので
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/because-janitor-san-is-not-a-hero/
Action Adventure Fantasy School Life Supernatural Tragedy
Academy Adapted to Manga Betrayal Contracts Cunning Protagonist Goddesses Gods Hard-Working Protagonist Heroes Magic Male Protagonist Monsters Multiple Transported Individuals R-15 Summoning Magic Transported to Another World Underestimated Protagonist Weak to Strong
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4202cb/
棚花尋平