Episode 140: Japan’s Major Crisis
After that, all the Hell Garm were subjugated, and the Monsters that had emerged on the surface were annihilated.
However, the damage to the Seekers and the Self-Defense Forces was significant, and the plan to construct a shelter on the 100th floor of the “Red Dungeon” was postponed.
Small and medium-sized enterprises, including D Minor, left “Seeker’s Town” and returned home.
It is unknown what will happen in the future, but it seems that there is a proposal to deal with the next plan with only large and quasi-large companies.
“Well, I guess our job is done here,”
Kanzaki muttered while driving the jeep.
“Honestly, I don’t want to come here again,”
Tanaka, sitting in the passenger seat, gave a wry smile. However, Yuma, sitting in the back seat, leaned forward and joined the conversation.
“But I was happy to meet my friends. I even saw famous people like Tennoji-san!”
“Ah, indeed… After all, the battle of the “Roar of the Raijuu” was amazing.”
Tanaka also agreed. Listening to their conversation, Kanzaki narrowed his eyes with a smile.
“Anyway, I’m tired… Let’s go home quickly, eat, and sleep!”
“Yes!”
The car carrying the three of them headed south on the Joban Expressway, returning to their company in Chiba.
◇◇◇
Seeker’s Town, Central Management Center Headquarters.
They were facing a major problem. No matter how much they searched, the “Black Lord” could not be found. He had disappeared like smoke.
“So, is there any new information from the Self-Defense Forces or the police?”
“Yes, well, not at the moment…”
Honda, who was stationed at the headquarters, held her head in her hands. The Ibaraki Prefectural Police and the Self-Defense Forces stationed in nearby garrisons conducted searches in the surrounding area, but there were no clues.
“What on earth is going on?”
While Honda was perplexed, a subordinate approached her.
“Director, there’s a call from Vice-Minister Hashizume of the Cabinet Office.” Honda frowned, took out her phone, and answered the call.
“Yes… Yes, I understand.”
It was a summons from the government. Honda let out a big sigh after hanging up.
Monsters said to cause great disasters on the ground had been unleashed, so the government must be in a great flurry to respond.
Honda reluctantly got up and began preparing to go to Tokyo.
On the same day, in the afternoon—
Under the control of the Cabinet Crisis Management Director, the Cabinet Secretariat and the Cabinet Office conducted comprehensive coordination, and executives such as directors-general from each ministry and agency were gathered at the Prime Minister’s Office in the event of an emergency.
This was to gather information on initial responses.
Naturally, the discussion revolved around the Monster “Lord” that had appeared on the surface.
The agreed-upon view here was immediately brought to the Prime Minister, and an emergency cabinet meeting was held.
Prime Minister Iwaki opened his mouth solemnly.
“That Black Monster… Does it really pose such a threat?”
It was Defense Minister Takakura who answered.
“There are still many unknowns, but most experts believe it is an unprecedented threat. We should take maximum measures.”
“I see…”
Various opinions were exchanged at the meeting, but in the end, they were all outsiders. Ministries other than the Ministry of Defense did not know the details of the Dungeons.
It was agreed that the Ministry of Defense, which was most familiar with the Dungeons, would take the lead, and the allocation of budget and personnel was decided.
After the meeting, Defense Minister Takakura and Defense Councilor Serizawa were walking side by side in the corridors of the Diet.
“We have Honda-san, the General Manager of Elceed Corporation, waiting.”
“I see.”
Takakura answered briefly and immediately headed to the room where Honda was waiting.
Beyond the opened door, Honda was waiting with a tense expression. She stood up from her chair and straightened her back to face him.
Takakura stood in front of Honda and directed a sharp gaze at her.
“I will convey what was decided at the cabinet meeting.”
Honda simply replied, “Yes,” to Takakura’s words.
◇◇◇
DeNA Elceed’s head office building in Otemachi, Tokyo.
Honda, who had returned from the Prime Minister’s Office, walked to the conference room on the eighth floor and opened the door. The members of Elceed’s strongest Seeker Clan, “Roar of the Raijuu,” were gathered there.
Some were injured in the previous battle and were absent, but Tennoji, Taizen, Misaki Bluewell, and Rui were present.
“I just returned from the Prime Minister’s Office. I was informed of the national policy by the Minister of Defense, so I will share the information with you.”
Tennoji and the others, who had been sitting, stood up and straightened their posture to look at Honda.
“The government has determined that the appearance of the ‘Black Lord’ is a major crisis in terms of national defense. From now on, the subjugation of this Monster will be the top priority.”
“Subjugation… then,”
When Tennoji asked back with a serious face, Honda nodded.
“We will mobilize the top Seekers in Japan to defeat him! The Self-Defense Forces will support the search, but will not participate in the battle. They can’t win.”
Tennoji swallowed at those words. Honda’s expression became even more severe.
“This is a formal request from the country. The target of subjugation, the ‘Black Lord,’ will be referred to as ‘Black Armor’ from now on.”
“Black… Armor…”
Tennoji repeated the name.
“And Elceed has been designated as the person in charge of the subjugation. In other words—”
The conference room was filled with silence.
“You, the ‘Roar of the Raijuu,’ will be the center of the effort to defeat ‘Black Armor’!!”
Tennoji and Taizen’s faces stiffened. Rui, who was behind them, felt the same way.
The Lord’s extraordinary strength. Those who fought him directly would understand his terror. Even if all the Seekers in Japan cooperated, would they really be able to win…?
While feeling uneasy, Rui turned his gaze back to Honda.
“This is an important mission to protect the safety of Japan. If we fail, thousands, even tens of thousands of lives could be lost. We must succeed no matter what!!”
“Yes, sir!!”
From this day forward, Japan’s largest mission—the “Black Armor Subjugation Plan”—was shared with all the top Seekers.