Episode 383: An Impossible Aircraft
Sophia lowered her gaze to the tablet she held, reading aloud the content she had prepared in advance.
“The activity of Monsters has lost momentum, coinciding with the fall of the 【Kings】 in various regions. This is likely related to the decrease in the “Mana Density” in the air. In other words, we believe that if we defeat all the Monster 【Kings】, we can escape this abnormal situation.”
Jorge cleared his throat before asking Sophia, “What is the possibility of defeating the White King?”
“I believe it is quite possible. Currently, the technology of 【Magic Enchanted Armaments】 and 【Magitech Devices】 has advanced significantly. In addition, there are reports that the skills of Seekers are improving day by day. Monsters that could not be defeated before should not be feared now.”
“I see.”
Jorge nodded in satisfaction. Sophia, having finished her role, took her seat, crossed her legs, and smiled quietly.
Watching her, Ethan let out a small sigh.
“Then, we will gather excellent Seekers from various countries and engage in the capture of the White Dungeon ‘Orpheus’. I would like to take a ‘vote’ on this agenda. Is that alright?”
No objections were raised, and voting by the participating countries took place.
As a result, the capture of the world’s deepest Dungeon, ‘Orpheus’, was decided by an overwhelming majority.
◇◇◇
In the skies over the Pacific Ocean, the ‘Learjet 35’ carrying Yuma and the others was flying.
Yuma peered out of the small window. An endless blue sky and a wide sea sparkling in the sunlight. So far, the aerial journey was going smoothly.
“As expected, Monsters aren’t attacking. They must be scared of your Magical Power,”
Yuma questioned Akito’s words from the seat behind him, “Is that so?”
Then, Rui, who was sitting in the seat next to him across the aisle, joined the conversation.
“I think it’s quite possible. Yuma converts most of his Mana into Magical Power. Monsters with keen senses will try to avoid him.”
“Is that how it is?”
He himself didn’t quite get it, but perhaps there was a difference in how he was perceived by others.
Yuma pondered this as he shifted his gaze to the scenery outside. In any case, he would be arriving in Japan soon. In Japan, where Kaede was.
◇◇◇
At Narita Airport, which was no longer in use, construction workers were present on the runway.
They were repairing a portion of the runway that had been damaged by Monsters. It was past the middle of June, and the heat was increasing day by day.
One of the staff members took off his Helmet and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve.
At that moment, an unbelievable sight entered his eyes.
“H-hey, look at that. Isn’t that an airplane?”
Another worker, suddenly spoken to, looked dubious, saying, “Huh? What are you talking about?” In a world where Monsters roamed, no one was foolish enough to travel by air.
Even after the runway repairs were completed, there were no plans for it to be used.
In such a situation, aircraft would not be taking off or landing. The worker thought so and looked up at the sky.
Then, there really was an aircraft flying in the sky.
“Eh? What is that?”
More than ten workers raised their faces one after another, noticing the anomaly. The aircraft was getting closer and closer. It was heading towards this location.
“E-evacuate! Evacuate!!”
At the voice of the site supervisor, everyone began to move. In a flurry of panic, they evacuated, and the aircraft crossed right next to the repair site.
Gradually slowing down, it stopped in the middle of the runway.
The workers stood a short distance away, their eyes wide. They didn’t understand why the aircraft had landed, and everyone was trembling with fear.
It was a rather unusually shaped small airplane.
As the workers watched, the hatch of the completely stopped aircraft opened.
A young man appeared. He descended the small stairs and stretched out his arms. After him, several men descended one after another.
The site supervisor led the workers away from the scene and immediately reported the situation to headquarters.
◇◇◇
The information was conveyed to the Japanese government and Elceed Corporation.
In Japan, communication devices using Magic Gems had been developed, but they could only be used in a limited area.
Only a limited number of people obtained information about the aircraft that had landed at Narita Airport.
Honda and Ishikawa from Elceed Corporation, along with several Seekers, headed to the airport.
Although they were armed in case of an emergency, Honda and Ishikawa knew who was at the airport.
“Does their return mean that they have achieved their goal?”
As Ishikawa, who was driving, spoke, Honda, who was sitting in the passenger seat, replied, “Yes.”
“Five months since the three of them left Japan… Considering that the Spatial Mana Density has been decreasing, they have probably defeated the 【Kings】 in various countries. It’s quite conceivable for them. The problem is whether they obtained the magic they desired…”
Ishikawa, sitting in the driver’s seat, looked ahead in silence. Mitaka Yuma was seeking magic to revive the dead.
It was an utterly absurd thing that he couldn’t believe existed.
Even so—Ishikawa held a slight hope.
“Let’s pray that his wish is granted. That’s all we can do.”
The two cars traveling on the Metropolitan Expressway No. 1 increased their speed and arrived at Narita Airport in about an hour.
Ishikawa and the others, having exited the cars, headed towards the destroyed airport terminal. Stepping into the empty airport lobby, they saw the figures of men.
Three Japanese and two foreigners.
The three were people Ishikawa and Honda knew well.
“Ah! It’s old man Ishikawa!? Long time no see!”
“Ishikawa-san! Honda-san!”
Tennoji’s younger brother and Amasawa rushed over. It was truly a long-awaited reunion. Ishikawa narrowed his eyes like a guardian, but his attention was drawn to Mitaka Yuma, who was behind the two.
More than before, he was emitting an abnormal Magical Power from his entire body.
Ishikawa, feeling like he was about to step back from the pressure, endured and turned his gaze forward.
“…Welcome back. I’m glad all three of you are safe.”