Aisha’s eyes widened at Kaede’s expression of her intention to undergo the test.
“Wait a minute. Do you have any Mana? This technology shouldn’t work unless you have a certain amount of Mana.”
Serizawa agreed with Aisha’s words.
“Yes, a high Mana Index isn’t necessary, but having a trace amount of Mana is the minimum requirement. That’s why we’re reaching out to Seekers.”
Even after hearing Serizawa’s explanation, Kaede’s feelings didn’t change.
“It’s okay! I participated in a Dungeon experience event when I was a student, and I have a little Mana. I can take the test, right?”
Serizawa was overwhelmed by Kaede’s intense expression, but he replied, “Y-yes, if that’s the case, then there’s no problem.”
As a result, Kanzaki, Rui, and Kaede would have their compatibility tested.
Kanzaki also said he would ask the employees of D-Minor if they wanted to take the test, and Kaede promised to reach out to her acquaintances.
When Rui said he would talk to the people at Elceed, Serizawa shook his head.
“No, the government has already reached out to major Dungeon-related companies, including Elceed. The story will circulate from the major companies to the small and medium-sized businesses.”
“I see… but I can’t just sit still, so I’m going back to the company to persuade those who are hesitant!”
Rui stood up and left the room. With Serizawa’s explanation over, everyone stood up from their seats.
Kanzaki raised his spirits, saying, “I’m going back to the company right away!” but Aisha had a bad feeling about it.
◇◇◇
In the following days, the government issued a grand order to recruit people from Dungeon-related companies, Self-Defense Force personnel with Mana, and the police to undergo testing.
However, many were hesitant to participate in an experiment with uncertain safety.
As a result, fewer people than expected gathered to take the test. In the midst of all this…
“Dad, this is the place, right?”
“Yeah, the Tokyo testing center should be here.”
Kanzaki from D-Minor, Maika, and Tanaka got out of the jeep in the parking lot of the Ministry of Defense building in Shinjuku.
“It seems the Tokyo test is being held here.”
Kanzaki checked the invitation sent to his smartphone.
“It says to go to the reception and go up to the third floor.”
Tanaka gave a wry smile as Kanzaki put a cigarette in his mouth and tried to light it.
“President, I don’t think smoking is allowed here.”
“Hmm? Is that so?”
Kanzaki reluctantly put away his cigarette.
“Maika is one thing, but are you really okay with this, Tanaka-san? If you’re compatible, you’ll have a Magic Gem implanted in your body. It seems pretty dangerous.”
Kanzaki was worried, but Tanaka smiled and shook his head.
“What are you talking about? If it means I can help Yuma-kun, I should take that much risk. Yuma-kun was the one who defeated that huge Dragon, right? Then he’s also the benefactor of my life.”
Tanaka seemed determined.
“Maika, are you really okay with this?”
“Of course, I almost wish I could be The Chosen. Aren’t you the one who’s getting anxious, Dad?”
“Don’t be stupid! I’m not going to die from a Magic Gem or anything. Let’s go.”
The three of them headed to the Ministry of Defense building with high spirits.
Several days after Yuma was hospitalized, Seekers, including those with the “Roar of the Raijuu,” and those who responded to the government’s request underwent testing one after another.
The number reached nearly 1,000, but…
Ministry of Defense Building. Serizawa was in a room in the Laboratory.
“How is it? Have you found The Chosen?”
The researcher, asked by Serizawa, shook his head.
“We haven’t finished examining all the samples yet, but there isn’t anyone who is completely compatible. At this rate, we may have no choice but to forcibly transplant the Magic Gem into someone with a high compatibility rate…”
“I see.”
Serizawa made a bitter face. The lower the compatibility rate, the greater the burden on the body.
In other words, they might die from the side effects. Normally, such an inhumane method should not be used, but this is an emergency.
The higher-ups have also decided that some sacrifices are unavoidable.
They have no choice. They can’t let Mitaka Yuma die.
With a tragic feeling, Serizawa turned his eyes to the documents lined up on the desk.
◇◇◇
The approval rating of the Iwaki administration, which had been criticized by the public, had fallen below 10%, and it was no longer possible to maintain the regime.
Iwaki himself was hospitalized due to poor health and did not show his face.
Among government officials, there were voices of dissatisfaction, wondering if it was just his usual feigned illness, but rumors spread that he was genuinely mentally ill.
The cabinet decided to resign en masse, but elections were not held due to the emergency, and the ruling party continued to hold power.
And the person newly approved as Prime Minister was…
“Congratulations, Prime Minister Takakura.”
At the Prime Minister’s Office, Serizawa bowed respectfully. Takakura smiled wryly at those words.
“It seems the role was passed to me because no one else wanted it. I don’t know what I can do in this situation.”
“It’s unusual for the Minister of Defense to become Prime Minister, but it’s appropriate considering the emergency.”
Takakura sighed softly.
“The public’s criticism is increasing day by day. I don’t know how long this cabinet will last…”
Serizawa said nothing. The Takakura administration was born because of the unprecedented disaster.
Even within the ruling party, it was not expected to last long. Still, Serizawa thought that Takakura was the only one who could wield his skills in this situation.
He entered the office prepared for him as Prime Minister. Takakura sat down in the luxurious black office chair and checked the comfort.
It was the chair he had longed for, which he would have been happy about if it weren’t for this situation. Takakura felt complicated.
“Prime Minister, I’ve come to report on the test.”
“…That’s right.”
Takakura naturally knew what he was talking about.
He straightened his posture and looked at Serizawa’s face.
“So, have you found The Chosen?”
The government is putting all its efforts into the “Magic Gem implantation” project. If this doesn’t succeed, Black Armor, also known as Mitaka Yuma, will die.
If he dies, there will be no way to fight the Monsters.
They must save him at all costs. For the sake of Japan, and for the sake of the world.
“Unfortunately… there was no one in Japan who was completely compatible with the ‘White Magic Gem’.”
“I see.”
Takakura’s shoulders dropped. Even if there was a technology to save Mitaka Yuma, it would be meaningless if there were no people to make it happen.
Seeing Takakura cross his arms and ponder, Serizawa stepped forward.
“However, there were people with a high compatibility rate. According to the researchers, there is a good chance that they can use the White Magic Gem.”
“What kind of people are they?”
Serizawa took out a report with photos from the file he had brought and presented it to Takakura.
Takakura took the paper and checked the contents.
It contained a photo and profile of a young woman, as well as her compatibility rate. Serizawa took a breath before starting to speak.
“Her name is Ichinose Kaede… Mitaka Yuma’s childhood friend.”