292 キバヤシからの呼び出し
アキラはリオンズテイル社との騒動を乗り切り、クガマヤマ都市からのモンスター認定も500億オーラムの賞金も取り下げられた。これで
料理の注文を済ませたテーブルで、私服のキバヤシがアキラに向けて楽しげに笑う。
「それにしても、お前は今回も派手にやったな。お前が防壁をぶち抜いて都市を相手に派手にやり合う展開にはならなくなりそうだったから、実はちょっと消化不良になるかと思ってたんだが、対滅弾頭もちゃんと撃ったし、あんな訳の分からん巨人の群れも出てくるし、大満足だ」
アキラはつまらなそうな表情を浮かべている。
「ああ。お前ならやってくれると思ってたぜ。しかも坂下重工から装備が届く前だってのにあの騒ぎなんだ。届いた後はどれだけの騒ぎになるんだ?」
「騒ぎが起こる前提で考えないでくれ」
そう言って嫌そうな顔を浮かべたアキラに、キバヤシはそれは無理だろうとでも言うように、そしてそれが無理な理由はアキラにあると言うように、楽しそうに笑った。
「......まあ、カツラギを通して装備や弾薬を用意してくれたのは助かったよ。あれが無かったら危なかった。そこは真面目に礼を言っとく」
「気にするな。俺とお前の仲じゃないか。その分楽しませてくれれば良いって」
アキラとしてはキバヤシを楽しませるような事態にはしたくない。その気持ちが嫌そうな表情となってアキラの顔に出る。だがそれもキバヤシを上機嫌にさせる効果しか
「それにしても、よく対滅弾頭なんて用意できたな。あれ、そう簡単には調達できない弾なんだろう? あの時の俺は都市からモンスター認定を受けてたのに、普通そんなやつに対滅弾頭なんて渡せないんじゃないか?」
「ああ、あれか。あれは俺も驚いた」
「まあそうだが、厳密には違う。対滅弾頭を撃ったお前も分かってるだろうがあの威力だからな。俺の力じゃ幾ら頑張ったところで調達なんか出来ない」
「......じゃあ何でその対滅弾頭が用意できたんだ?」
不思議そうな顔を浮かべたアキラに向けて、キバヤシが意味深に笑う。
「俺の力でも対滅弾頭を調達できるように、裏で手を回したやつがいたってことだ。それも、あの時のお前の立場から考えて、防壁に対滅弾頭を撃ち込んでほしいやつがだ。最終的に対滅弾頭がお前に流れることぐらい分かった上での工作だろうから、まあそうなる」
「あの対滅弾頭は......、俺に都市の防壁を撃たせる
「なあ、キバヤシも一応は都市の職員なんだろ? そんなことやって大丈夫なのか?」
「ん? 過程や方法の意味で聞いてるなら全然大丈夫じゃない。何しろ都市からモンスター認定受けてるやつに対滅弾頭を提供したんだ。下手をすれば都市から賞金を懸けられても不思議は無いぐらい危ない橋を渡ったな」
「大丈夫じゃないって......、じゃあ、どうなったんだ? 首にでもなったのか?」
「いや、どっちかといえば昇進した」
「......何で?」
「過程や方法が問題でも、結果的には大丈夫だったからだ。確かにお前に対滅弾頭を流したが、お前はそれを都市には撃たなかったし、その対滅弾頭であの巨人達を倒したお陰で都市の被害も抑えられたからな」
「良いんだよ。確かに組織内で、問題行動でも結果が成功なら問題無しってのは危険ではあるが、だからって、過程や方法に問題が無ければ失敗して良いって訳じゃないんだぜ? 失敗時の被害が甚大なら特にな」
結果論ではあるが、キバヤシはアキラという特大の危険人物に対して柔軟に対処し、都市の被害を最小限に抑えるのに成功したことになる。少なくともキバヤシ自身は都市に対してそう説明した。そして事態に対して手をこまねいていたばかりだった役員達では、何を言っても終わった後に好き勝手言っているだけにしかならず、効果的な反論は出来なかった。
また、都市としてもアキラのような危険人物に対応可能な有用な人材を失う訳にはいかず、今後も同様の事態が発生するかもしれないことを考えれば、下手をすれば逆に都市に甚大な被害を生じさせる手段を
その余波を受けて、以前にアキラの制御に成功した比較的真っ当な人格の持ち主ということで、ヒカルの評価も上がっていた。そして、次に似たような事態が発生した時には、まずはヒカルに対処させよう、という都市の意向も決まっていた。
アキラ達のテーブルに注文した料理が運ばれてくる。それを食べる前にアキラがまた話題を変える。
「料理も来たし、そろそろ本題に入ってくれ。雑談の
「悪いんだが、出ていってくれ」
「......えっ?」
キバヤシに呼び出されての話なので都市の用件だと思っていたアキラは、予想外の話に意表を突かれていた。想像通りの反応にキバヤシが笑う。
「今日は俺の私用だよ。俺が都市の職員としてお前を呼んでるのなら、呼び出す場所は上階のレストランだ。経費でな。ああ、お前が
「お前の家の賃貸業者から俺に泣きが入ったんだよ。勘弁してくださいってな」
「ああ......、そうなのか」
に今回はその理由を察することが出来た。リオンズテイル社の部隊との交戦でスラム街を壊滅させたのだ。賃貸業者も自分達が管理している区域を次の壊滅先にはしたくないのだろう。それぐらいは想像できた。
「一応、向こうも引っ越し代ぐらいは出すって言ってるし、俺もあの賃貸業者とは付き合いがある。無理強いはしないが、出来れば大人しく出ていってくれると助かる。どうだ?」
「一応聞くけど、嫌だって言ったらどうなるんだ?」
出ていきやがれ、と高圧的に言われればアキラも反発心を覚えるが、勘弁してください、と泣きが入ったと言われると、アキラも軽い罪悪感にも似たものを覚えてしまう。その機微を察したキバヤシが乗じる。
「別にその賃貸業者に恨みがある訳でもないんだろう? 出ていってやれって。そもそもあの家はハンターランク30ぐらいのやつが住む家だぞ? 今のお前が住む家じゃねえよ。良い機会だろ? 大人しく出ていってくれるなら、俺もお前の新居の相談ぐらいは乗ってやるからさ」
「俺が引っ越すと何でキバヤシの評価が上がるんだ?」
「いろいろあるんだよ。都市の内部事情に絡む話だから外部の者には話せない。でも俺とお前の仲だ。教えてやっても良いぞ? 条件は、それを知ってもごちゃごちゃ言わずにちゃんと引っ越すことだ。どうする?」
アキラはキバヤシの意味深な話の内容が気になり、既に退去手続きに同意したこともあって
「へー。そうなんだ」
「下位区画の一部を第2防壁で囲む訳だが、新たな壁の内側になる場所は当然ながらその価値が沸騰する。まだ選定の段階だが、選ばれる可能性の高い土地の確保はもう始まってるんだ」
「それでだ。お前が住んでる辺りは、お前が住んでることを除けば、かなりの好立地なんだよ」
「そういうことだ。まあお前の引っ越し代もその辺の金から出るってことで、その金で豪華な家でも建てて納得してくれ」
「分かったよ。......ん? 家を建てる? 借りるんじゃなくて?」
「建てるだ。言っておくが、基本的にクガマヤマ都市にお前に家を貸す賃貸業者は無いぞ? それだけのことをした自覚は有るだろう?」
そう言われるとアキラも言い返せなかった。苦笑いに近い難しい顔を浮かべたアキラに向けて、キバヤシが楽しげに続ける。
「安心しろ。程度の差はあっても、似たようなことをして同じような立場になったハンターは沢山いるんだ。お前の新居の相談ぐらいは乗ってやるって約束通り、その場合の対処法は俺がこれからちゃんと教えてやるよ」
そのような場所は当然ながら治安は劣悪だ。荒野からはモンスターが出現し、スラム街などからは強盗などが襲ってくる。だがその程度の相手など、その手段を実施するハンターにとっては何の障害にもならない。居住者であるハンター自身が抑止力となり、周囲の治安を武力で改善することが可能だ。
遺物収集等で家を空ける時には警備員を雇う。都市で家を借りる時、基本的にその家賃には周辺の治安維持を担当する警備会社への警備料金が含まれている。それと同じだ。
複数の警備員を個人で雇う場合、
そしてそれが一定の水準を満たした時、その地域は新たな優良な下位区画として都市に組み込まれる。またその頃には、そのハンターは優良な経済圏の後ろ盾と認識されることで、その実績により信用と信頼を回復し、必要であれば再び都市で家を借りることも可能になる。
それらの話を聞かされたアキラは、更にキバヤシからその警備をシェリル達に頼むよう勧められた。新たに警備会社を発足させるまでもなく既に組織化されており、事実上アキラの支配下にあり、武力もスラム街の治安維持には十分で、イナベという都市の幹部の息も掛かっているからだ。いろいろと都合が良い。自宅を退去した後、新たな家が出来るまでは、またシェリルの拠点を借りれば良いとも言われた。
それらの話を聞いたアキラはキバヤシと別れると、そのままシェリルの拠点に向かった。事情を聞いたシェリルがとても
にそれは。俺の家はどこかにちゃんと建てるよ」
「そうですか。それならこの拠点の隣なんてどうでしょう。近いと便利だと思います」
「......その辺も含めてゆっくり考えるよ。家の間取りとかも考えないといけないしな」
「そうですね。建てた後で気に入らないからと建て直す訳にもいきません。時間を掛けてじっくり考えた方が良いと思います」
設計に時間が掛かれば掛かるほど、アキラが拠点で過ごす期間が増える。シェリルは笑顔でアキラに慎重な選択を促した。
シェリルは家の予算とヴィオラに何の関係があるのか不思議に思いながらも、すぐにヴィオラに連絡を入れる。ヴィオラはちょうど拠点で徒党の仕事をしており、すぐ現れた。
そう平静を装って笑って言ったヴィオラの顔は、僅かに硬くなっていた。
ヴィオラは以前にスラム街の抗争にアキラを巻き込んだことでアキラに一度殺されかけており、交渉によりシェリルへの協力と引き換えに生かされている状態だ。そして最後にアキラと会った時、クロエの居場所の情報をアキラに半ば脅されて提供させられ、その情報料として、お前を生かしておいて良かったと思うことにする、と言われていた。更に去り際に、そこにクロエがいることを期待してくれ、とも言われていた。
自分が提供した情報でアキラがクロエに会えたかどうかは、ヴィオラには分からない。会えなかったのであれば、お前を生かしておく必要は無かった、と言われてアキラにこの場で殺されかねない。相手は元500億オーラムの賞金首で、リオンズテイル社の創業者一族でさえ殺そうとした人物だ。アキラに殺されたのかどうかは不明だが、クロエが死んでいることも確認済み。相手が誰であれ、殺すと決めたら殺すだろう。そう思っているヴィオラは、アキラを前にして、完全な平静を装うことが出来なかった。
一方アキラはそのヴィオラの内心など全く気付いていなかった。普通に話す。
「ああ、シェリルは俺に借金があっただろう? 確か、後ろ盾料みたいなやつだ。その管理をヴィオラがやってたと思うんだけど、それ、今幾らぐらいになってる? 大まかで良いから教えてくれ」
「そうね。概算で500億オーラムぐらいかしら」
「500億か......」
その額はヴィオラがアキラからこれなら不審に思われないと判断した金額での最高額だ。そしてその巨額の負債をシェリルに返済させる
「分かった。じゃあシェリル。その金はリオンズテイル社と戦った時の迷惑料やら何やらと相殺ってことで返さなくて良い」
アキラが債権とはいえ500億オーラムをあっさり手放したことに、シェリルとヴィオラが驚きを
った時は、金が無かったから情報料の代わりに以前の貸しのことを持ち出したんだけど、今なら金があるんだ。やっぱりちゃんと金で払った方が良いか?」
「......最低でも数十億オーラムで、場合によっては桁が増える。そう言ったはずだけど、覚えてないの?」
「覚えてる。数十億オーラムなら払えるし、桁が増えても金額次第で払える」
実際にアキラにはそれだけの金があった。リオンズテイル社に請求した経費があっさり支払われたのだ。それはシロウから
そのような経緯もあり、アキラにはヴィオラにクロエの居場所の情報料を金で支払う余裕があった。だが自宅の建設費や弾薬等の再調達費用を考えて、先に情報料の方を片付けておいた方が良いと判断した。情報料としてヴィオラに100億オーラムほど支払うと他の予算が圧迫されるが、受け取った情報が正しかった以上、相応の代金を支払っておくことをアキラは優先した。
「それで、幾らだ?」
ヴィオラがたじろぐ。その手の駆け引きに疎いアキラがそう言った以上、実際に支払えることぐらいヴィオラにも分かる。そして情報料を金で受け取った場合は、アキラが情報料の代わりに支払ったもの、お前を生かしておいて良かったと思うことにする、という貸しの解消が無かったことになるのも容易に察することが出来た。
「......その前に聞いておくことがあるわ。あの情報で、私のアキラへの借りの相殺分は、結局どの程度になったの? あの時はアキラから、そこにクロエがいることを期待してくれ、としか言われてないわ。情報通りクロエはいたんでしょう? それなら情報が正しかった以上、その価値はちゃんと認めてもらわないとね。それで、どれぐらい相殺してくれるの?」
「うーん、そうだな......」
「シェリルからヴィオラを殺すように頼まれたら、事情を聞いて、内容次第で、もう少し考えろって言うぐらいかな? 一応ヴィオラを生かしておいたお陰であの情報が手に入った訳だし」
アキラからその言葉を引き出した時点でヴィオラは窮地から脱した。その言葉は事実上シェリルがヴィオラを自分の判断で殺せなくなることを意味するからだ。思わず本心の笑みを
「それなら情報料はそれで良いわ。あの時にそれで取引が成立したのだから、金は不要よ」
不思議そうな様子でそう言ったアキラに続けて、シェリルが内心の
その辺りの重要性はアキラも納得できる。またシロウから160億オーラムを突き返されたこともあり、数十億オーラムは大金だと思って提案したが、相手が要らないと言うのであればそちらが優先だと、ヴィオラの意見に同意した。
「それもそうだな。分かった。話はそれだけだ」
「そう? それじゃあ私は忙しいから戻るわね」
ヴィオラは笑ってアキラ達に背を向けて立ち去った。背後から聞こえたシェリルの舌打ちに、危ないところだったとギリギリ笑みを浮かべることが出来た。
「ん? まあ、それなりにな」
ヴィオラを生かしておく価値を下げる
アキラは自宅で、この家での最後の入浴を楽しんでいた。
既に引っ越しの手配は済ませており、明日荷物をシェリルの拠点に運び込んでそのまま退去する。
すぎるとも感じた浴槽も、何度も入浴して慣れていき、シェリルの拠点に備え付けられた高級な浴室での入浴を体験してからは、少し不満を覚えるようになっていた。それでもこれで最後だと思うと、名残惜しいような気持ちを感じていた。
アキラがこの家を借りてからあった様々なことを思い返して感慨深い声を出す。
いつものように一緒に入浴しているアルファが、アキラの感情に応えるように
『ええ。大変だったわね。でももう少しよ。坂下重工から装備が届けば、いよいよ目的の遺跡に乗り込めるわ』
アキラは別にそのことを思っていた訳ではなかった。だがそれを告げられれば意識もそこに向かう。
『ええ。長かったわね。いえ、思ったよりは短かったのかしら?』
「どうなんだろうな。まあそれも装備が届いてから、それにシロウの仕事を片付けてからだけど。後は待つだけだけど、いつになったら届くんだか......」
そこでキバヤシから連絡が入った。アルファを介してそれに出ると、キバヤシから上機嫌な声で妙なことを言われる。
『ようアキラ。お前に3つ連絡がある。良い話と、悪い話と、少し良い話だ』
く悪い話と、少し悪い話じゃないだろうな?」
『安心しろ。そんなことはねえよ。その証拠に良い話から教えてやる』
め息を吐いた。それを聞いたキバヤシが上機嫌な声で続ける。
『そんなに落ち込むなよ。まだ少し良い話が残ってるだろう? それを聞けばお前のやる気も一気に上がるさ』
「それのどこが少し良い話なんだ?」
『慌てるなって。ここからだ。お前が希望するなら、取りに行けば渡してもらえるように手配してやる。輸送の代行ってことだ。どうだ。良い話だろう? まあ、自分で行くのは面倒臭いから届くまで待ってるって考えもあるし、その辺を考慮して、少し良い話ってところだ。どうする?』
「それ、取りに行かないって言ったら、俺の装備はどうなるんだ?」
『配送が遅れるだけだ。どれだけ遅れるかは分からないが、いつかは届くだろう。でも何度も催促するぐらいなんだ。早く欲しいんだろう?』
『よし。任せとけ。すぐに手配する。お前もちゃんと準備しとけよ? じゃあな』
キバヤシとの通信を終えたアキラが難しい表情を浮かべる。装備を自分で取りに行けるのは、アキラも確かに良い話だとは思う。しかし都市間輸送車両が荒野で立ち往生しているというのは非常に気になった。
以前に都市間輸送車両でツェゲルト都市まで往復した時も、その時の騒ぎがあっても、都市間輸送車両は立ち往生などしなかった。その都市間輸送車両が立ち往生するほどの何かが起こっているのは間違い無い。だからこそキバヤシは自分をそこに向かわせようとしている。それぐらいはアキラも分かった。
アルファがいつも通りの笑顔を浮かべる。
『何も起こらないことを期待して、出来る限りの準備を済ませて出発しましょうか』
恐らくその期待は裏切られる。だからこそ出来る限りの準備がいる。そう言われたことぐらいは理解して、アキラは苦笑を返した。
Ch 292
After Akira's conflict with the Lion Steel company had come to an end, he was no longer recognized as a monster by Kugamayama city. His bounty was also taken down. He finally returned back to the situation where he could wait in peace until his new equipment from Sakashita Heavy Industry arrived. That was when he received a message from Kibayashi, to meet him in a particular restaurant on the first floor of the Kugama building.
When Akira arrived, he could see Kibayashi wearing casual clothes sitting at a table. He was waving at him with a wide grin. It seemed like Kibayashi had already ordered food before he had arrived.
"Man, that was another hell of a fight. I was so disappointed when I noticed that you were not going to tear down the city's wall and bring havoc to those within the inner wall. Still, you did use annihilator warheads, and that swarm of giants that came out of nowhere was also interesting. What can I say? You really never cease to amuse me."
Akira looked apathetically at him.
"Of course! I always knew you would pull it off. But still, to think that you can do that much damage even before you got your new equipment from Sakashita Heavy Industry. Just what kind of crazy things do you have in mind after they arrive?"
"Nothing. I have no plans on getting caught up in any incident."
In contrast to Akira, who had a curt expression, Kibayashi was smiling like a Cheshire Cat. It was as if he was saying that it would be impossible for you and that he knew the exact reason why that was the case.
"...Putting that aside, you have my thanks for getting me ammo and equipment through Katsuragi. Things would have gotten way out of hand had you not done that. So, I'm really thankful for it."
"Don't mention it. It's not like you're a stranger to me. As long as you do something to amuse me with the things I send you, it's all good."
Akira did not want to get into a situation that would amuse Kibayashi. His emotions were in full view on his face, which had turned sour. Unfortunately, that only served to amuse Kibayashi even more. Akira sighed once more and decided to put that aside for now. He changed the subject.
"But still, how did you get those annihilator warheads? It's not something that you can get your hands on easily, right? I was still recognized as a monster by the city back then. Normally, no one would think it was acceptable to give me that kind of ammo, no?"
"Ohh, about that. I was also surprised."
"Well, that statement is partially true. To be more precise, it wasn't exactly me. I'm sure you know about those annihilator warheads very well, since you shot a few yourself, those warheads packed a lot of firepower. If it's only me, I would never be able to get those for you no matter how hard I try."
"...Then, how did you get them for me?"
Akira looked at him in confusion while Kibayashi's smile widened.
"Since it's not something that I can get you, myself, it just means that someone else pulled some strings behind the scenes. Considering your situation back then, I bet that person wanted you to shoot those warheads at the city's inner wall. I don't know who they are and why they did that, but one thing is for certain, they knew that those warheads would end up in your possession. Well, I bet that's their main goal."
"So basically... Someone got those warheads for me hoping that I would use them to attack the city's inner wall?"
"By the way, you're actually a part of City Management, right? Is it really okay for you to do something like that?"
"Hm? If you're talking about the method I used, nope. It was absolutely not okay. No matter what the reason, I gave access to annihilator warhead to someone who was officially recognized by the city as a monster. It won't be strange if City Management decided to put a bounty on my head."
"So, it's not okay, huh... Then why would you do that? Did you get fired or something?"
"Nope, as a matter of fact, I got promoted."
"...What? How? Why?"
"Regardless of what I did, the incident did come to a rather decent conclusion. Though I did provide you with annihilator warheads, you didn't fire it towards the city. Also, it had allowed you to defeat those giants, which has helped reduce the damage to the city."
"Yup, exactly. Organization-wise, the process and method I have used would never be in their guidelines. Rather, everyone would be warned of how dangerous my actions were. So, my actions can't exactly be seen in a good light just because the results were great. However, it must be stressed that if I were to go by the book, and the results were deemed a failure, would my actions not be pointless? Doubly true when failure causes a huge loss."
It was a very pragmatic way of thinking, in the end, Kibayashi was able to deal well with someone as dangerous as Akira and the damage to the city was kept at a minimum. Or at the very least, that was the evaluation of City Management toward Kibayashi. Officers who kept their hands off this matter up until now could say anything they wanted, but in the end, the results spoke for themselves. None of their sharp comments could change the final evaluation. Neither could they fault Kibayashi for the damages.
Meanwhile, City Management did not want to lose someone competent in dealing with dangerous individuals such as Akira. Thus, considering that something similar might happen again in the future, the evaluation of Kibayashi's actions tilted in his favour. The fact that he was able to suppress and resolve the situation weighed more heavily than the fact that he supplied Akira with items that might cause considerable damage to the city. Not to mention his eagerness to push for such provisions were seen as decisiveness.
In the case of Hikaru, her ability also got praised by City Management. They considered her to be competent in dealing with Akira as well. Thus, City Management had also decided that in the case something similar happened again in the future, they would first go to Hikaru to handle it.
Food that Kibayashi had ordered beforehand started to be placed on the table. Before they started eating, Akira asked another question.
"Well, the food is here, so let's get to the main subject right away. I'm sure you did not call me here just for some silly banter, right?"
"Sorry, but can you move to somewhere else?"
"...Sorry?"
Akira thought that Kibayashi had called him here to talk about some business connected to Kugamayama city. Therefore, this request completely caught him off-guard. Seeing how Akira's facial expression twisted into something he anticipated, Kibayashi laughed merrily and continued.
"Today's meeting is for my personal business, you see. Had I called you as a staff of City Management, I would have told you to come to one of the restaurants on the upper floors. It's just too expensive for me to go there on my own dime. Ahh, but if you want to go there now, I don't mind."
"The housing agency came crying at me, you know? Asking me to get you to move out to somewhere else."
"Ahhh... I see."
Even Akira, who was usually dense, was able to understand why that was. After all, he got into a fight with Lion Steel, which had completely flattened a portion of the slums. As expected, no housing agent would want the area under their management to be the next battleground for such a battle. It was not that hard for Akira to understand why they would be in tears.
"They're willing to pay the expenses for your move. Well, I do have a good relationship with them, that's why I brought it up. Though it's not like I'm forcing you to move out. It would nonetheless be of great help if you were to move out to somewhere which would not cause any trouble."
"It's not like I'm refusing, but what will be the outcome if I refuse?"
Naturally, Akira would turn hostile if he was harshly ordered to get out. Similarly, he would feel guilty if they came at him, pleading while crying. Kibayashi noticed his feelings of guilt and made use of that opening.
"It's not like you have any grudges against the housing agency, right? So just be nice to them and move to somewhere else. In the first place, that housing area is originally meant for Hunters with Rank 30 and below, you know? It's no longer suitable for you to keep living there. If you're willing to move out, I can at least help to find another place for you."
"What does me moving out have anything to do with their opinion of you?"
"It's complicated. It has something to do with the inner workings of City Management. I can't really say it to an outsider. But well, since it's not like we're strangers, I don't mind telling you. But in exchange, make sure to not cause any trouble and just move out, alright?"
Akira was indeed curious about what lay under Kibayashi's smile. Considering that he had already signed the papers, Akira gave a nod.
"Ohhh, I see."
"So basically, we will get the lower district surrounded by a wall as well, but naturally, once the wall is erected, land prices within that wall would jump up. Although it's still in the planning stage, they're already securing lands that are highly likely to be chosen."
"So that's where you come in. Except for you living there, the area where you're living is actually a pretty good area."
"So there, you have it. Well, since they're willing to pay for the moving-out expense, you can build yourself a luxurious home with that amount."
"Alright alright... Hm? Wait, build? Not rent?"
"Yeah, you can build your own house. Just to let you know, I bet there's no housing agency around here willing to rent property to you. I'm sure you know the reason, right?"
Since Akira knew why, as expected, he could not think of any counter-arguments. He just bitterly smiled with a troubled expression. In contrast, Kibayashi was still smiling as usual as he continued.
"Don't worry. Although their cases are not exactly the same as yours, many Hunters have gone through what you are going through. As I promised, I will help you find a new home, so I will at least tell you how to deal with your current situation."
The Hunters must be strong because the outskirts were not a safe place. There were monsters from the wasteland and robbers from the slums. Thus, the Hunters who were in this situation had to be strong enough such that those monsters and robbers posed no problem to them. As a matter of fact, they could even add security value to the area around where these Hunters lived.
Although they had to pay security to guard the house while they were off to hunt for relics or monsters, it was not that different from when they lived inside the city. In the city, they still had to pay for the security of their homes. This deposit would be paid to private security companies, which would be held responsible for keeping the area where their houses were safe.
When an individual hired a group of guards, there were cases where they got along and performed really well. Some formed a new private security company, which would contribute to the long-term safety of the area around their houses. As the safety level increased, others would naturally flock there. The price of land would naturally increase, and the economy of the area would develop.
After it reached a certain standard, eventually, that area would be recognized as a new portion of the lower district of the nearest city. When it reached that point, the original Hunters who first started establishing their homes there would be recognized to have contributed greatly to supporting a new economic area. This would be reflected in their track record, which in turn would allow them to rent a house in the city again - if they wish, of course.
Furthermore, Kibayashi recommended Akira to use those from Sheryl's gang as his guards. That way, there was no need to start a new private security company from scratch. It was already known to be an organization formed under Akira's support. Thus, it had enough power to keep an area safe even within the slums. Furthermore, it was connected to Inabe, a city officer. It was a perfect choice. Meanwhile, before his new house got completed, he could live in Sheryl's base.
After listening to Kibayashi's advice, Akira left and went to Sheryl's base. As expected, Sheryl was extremely happy when she heard about this plan. Her smile was dazzlingly bright as she said.
"Thank you for your offer but it's alright. As expected, I want to have my new house properly built somewhere else."
"I see, In that case, how about next to this base? It'll be convenient to have it nearby."
"...I will carefully ponder it over. I will also have to think carefully about the blueprint for the house as well..."
"Indeed. It's not like you can just change the layout once it's built and you find something unsatisfactory. I think it's best to take your time to plan it out before deciding."
The longer Akira had to plan, the longer he would have to stay in her base. That was why Sheryl carefully and fervently encouraged him with her charming smile.
Sheryl was not really sure how his expenses would have anything to do with Viola. Nonetheless, she quickly called Viola over. Since Viola had something to do in the base at that time, she quickly came over to see Akira.
Viola came and smiled amicably at him as she spoke. However, her expression was slightly tense.
The previous time she met Akira was back in Mihazono ruin, when he threatened her to tell him about Chloe's whereabouts. To repay her for the information, he stated that he would not regret sparing her life. Before he left, he reminded Viola, to hope that Chloe was really there.
Viola had no idea if Akira was able to find Chloe with the information she gave him. If he was not able to, that might be the end for her. Akira might kill her right now. Although it was now removed, Akira had a 50 billion Aurum bounty on his head and even tried to kill a member of the founding family of the Lion Steel company. Though no one knew for sure if he was the one who did it, Chloe's death was already widely known. Akira was someone who would not hesitate to kill when he decided to. It was regardless of who that person was. Naturally, Viola could not maintain her usual calm in front of such a person.
However, Akira did not notice how she felt as he casually asked Viola.
"Say, Sheryl is basically indebted to me, right? If I'm not mistaken, it's about me being a Hunter supporting her gang. Furthermore, you're helping the gang to repay that debt. So, about that, how much of that debt is left? A rough approximation is enough."
"Let's see, probably somewhere about 50 billion Aurum?"
"50 billion, huh..."
That amount was the highest Viola could come out with which she would not get Akira to be suspicious. At the same time, it was also to push Akira to keep sparing her life so that she could help Sheryl's gang repay the debt.
"I see. Well, Sheryl, considering all the things that I put your gang through during my conflict with Lion Steel, let's take it that we're even. You don't need to pay me back anymore."
Sheryl and Viola were equally surprised to see Akira casually let go of such a huge sum. He then continued.
"I brought up what you owe to me back then when I asked for information about Chloe's whereabouts. I did that because I didn't have money back then. But now that I have money, as I thought, it's better for me to repay you that way, right?"
"...I'm pretty sure I did say that it would at least cost a few million Aurum. It might be with a few more zeros though, do you remember?"
"I do. If it's only a few hundred million Aurum, I can pay you. Depending on how many zeros you add, I might still be able to pay for it."
Akira really did have that much. Lion Steel did not raise any issues when it came to his compensation for what he had lost in that battle. Thus, it was processed quickly. The whole thing included all ammunition used, his new equipment and the bike that he had lost. It all totalled to 20 billion Aurum.
Thus, Akira was able to get the money to pay for Viola's information. Considering that he had to build his new home, he thought that it was better to pay for the information first. Although his housing options would be limited if he had to pay more than 10 billion Aurum to Viola, he believed that paying for that information took priority since it was accurate.
"So then, how much is it?"
Viola winced back. The fact that Akira brought that up meant that there was a high chance he would actually pay with money. Viola at least knew that much. However, if he paid with money, it would mean that the thing Akira had put up as collateral would be returned. Namely, the thought of not regretting sparing her life.
"...But before that, I want to ask you a question first. How much value did my information provide compared to my debt to you? Back then, you told me to hope that you would find Chloe there, nothing more. As I said, Chloe was actually there, right? So, with that information being correct, we need to first admit the value of that information. So then, how much is it valued?"
"Hmmm, let's see..."
"If Sheryl asks me to dispose of you, I will at least ask for the reason first and think about it before actually disposing of you, I guess? After all, it is thanks to your information that I was able to find Chloe."
Viola felt like she was freed from shackles when she heard those words. It meant that Sheryl would no longer be able to simply decide her life and death. Viola could not help but to leak out an honest smile.
"In that case, that is good enough for the information. That was our agreement back then, so I don't need you to pay me anything."
Seeing Akira uncertain, Sheryl intervened with a smile.
Akira understood what Viola was saying. It reminded him of how Shirou refused his offer to repay the 16 billion Aurum. It was a large sum of money to him. Thus, he agreed that if the other party said that there was no need, he should not push it. Besides, keeping it was more beneficial to him as well.
"You have a point, alright, that will be all then."
"Is that so? Well, I'm busy right now, so please let me excuse myself."
Viola smiled, turned around, and left the room. She could hear Sheryl click her tongue behind her. In the end, Viola managed to get through this meeting safely, though, only barely. She was still alive. It was a fact which made her break out a gentle smile in celebration.
"Hm? Well, yeah, pretty much."
Sheryl smiled and was determined to learn how to gather information to reduce Viola's usefulness to Akira.
Akira then returned back home. He enjoyed his last dip in the bath of that house.
With the vacate document already signed, he planned on bringing his stuff to Sheryl's base the next day.
The first time he took a bath after he moved in, it felt extremely luxurious. However, after multiple dips, it felt normal. After he had experienced the more luxurious bath in Sheryl's base, he was now not able to fully appreciate his own bath. Even so, since this would be the last time, he felt a bit saudade having to not be able to take a bath here ever again.
As Akira thought of all that had happened to him up until now ever since he rented this house, he spoke in a contemplative voice.
Alpha, who was also in the bath together with him, was acting as usual. She smiled at him.
"Indeed, it was. But just a bit more. Once your new equipment from Sakashita Heavy Industry arrives, we can finally go to explore our target ruin."
To be honest, Akira was not thinking about that. However, once Alpha mentioned it, he could not help but think about it too.
"Yup, it really took a long time. Though, it did not take as long as I had thought it would. What do you think?"
"Hmm, can't really say for sure. Either way, we can only go once I have my new equipment. We still have to deal with Shirou's request as well. Though what we have to do right now is just wait, I wonder when they will actually arrive..."
That was when Akira received a call from Kibayashi. The moment he took that call through Alpha, he could hear Kibayashi's voice being suspiciously uppity.
"Yo there, Akira! I have three pieces of news for you. One bad, one good, one a bit good."
"...I bet what you mean is one bad news, one really bad news, and one not really good news, right?"
"Don't worry, it's not that bad. I will start with the good news as proof."
Akira sighed. But hearing that, Kibayashi's voice seemed even happier.
"Don't get too sad. I still have one more piece of good news, you know? I'm sure you'll cheer up once you hear it."
"So? Where is the good part of this news?"
"Be patient. The good news comes right after this. If you want to get your new equipment immediately, I can arrange it such that you can pick them up yourself. Basically, you will be taking on the role of a transportation personnel. Isn't that great? Well, if it's too much trouble going there yourself, feel free to just wait until they arrive. Tell me, isn't this good news?"
"What will happen to my stuff if I say that I will just wait?"
"They will arrive late, that's all. Though, I can't really say for certain how late they will be. You keep asking me when they might arrive, so I assume you want them as fast as possible, no?"
"Of course. Just leave it to me. I will get to work right away. You should also prepare yourself when you go pick them up, alright? Until then, later."
After Kibayashi ended the call, Akira frowned and seemed rather troubled. It was indeed great that he could pick his stuff up himself. However, the fact that an inter-city transport vehicle got stuck in the middle of the wasteland was rather suspicious.
Akira had once travelled in an inter-city transport convoy from Kugamayama city to Zegelt city. At that time, there was also an incident. However, the transport convoy did not stop at all. Therefore, something big must have happened for an inter-city transport vehicle to stop in the middle of the wasteland. Kibayashi's fervent encouragement for him to go there only served to prove his worries.
Alpha made her usual smile as she spoke.
"Let's hope it's nothing big. We can prepare as much as we can before going there to pick up your new equipment."
Akira smiled bitterly. He already knew that his wish would not be granted. It was clear Alpha also shared the same thoughts. Otherwise, she would not have added 'prepare as much as we can before going'.
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/
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