Chapter 14: A Request for Help
A few days had passed since the reunion with my companions. That morning, I was sipping coffee and vaguely gazing at the television screen. The view from the high-rise apartment window was a glittering cityscape under a clear, sunny sky. It was a peaceful daily life, a stark contrast to the harsh adventures in the other world.
It was during such a tranquil moment that the new, latest-model smartphone I’d bought rang. Placing my coffee cup down, I looked at the screen and saw the name “Tetsumura Gou” displayed.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Hayato.”
The caller was Tetsumura Gou. His voice sounded energetic. In the background, I could hear the rustling of what sounded like documents being turned.
“Actually, there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”
“A request?”
If it was a request from a companion, I wanted to help if I could. Thinking this, I listened to him. I naturally straightened my posture, listening intently as I once did as a Hero.
“There’s a mine that my company is considering acquiring. I’m scheduled to go inspect it, and I’d like you to accompany me, Hayato.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“A mine?”
“Yeah. It’s a mine located overseas. If you help out, I’ll make sure you’re properly compensated.”
Even over the phone, I could sense the sincerity in Gou’s voice.
I was a little surprised. I wondered if there was some special reason for such a sudden proposal.
“Why so suddenly?”
On the other end of the line, Gou paused for a moment, as if choosing his words.
“I heard you were looking for work. I was hoping you could help out, think of it as a small part-time job.”
He probably heard it from Riri-san or Josuke. That after I quit my former company, I still hadn’t found my next job.
“I’d really like to borrow your strength, Hayato.”
I pondered the meaning behind those words. Perhaps he’d noticed my eagerness to find a job quickly and was being considerate.
If he went out of his way to prepare a job for me… a feeling of slight guilt and immense gratitude spread through my chest. I thought for a moment about my future, then, steeling my resolve, I answered.
“Alright. I’ll help you out.”
As I replied, I vowed in my heart to carry out this job with all my might and meet Gou’s expectations.
“Thank you!”
Gou’s voice was joyful. Even through the receiver, his happiness was palpable.
“I’ll send you the details later, but we’re planning to depart in two weeks. You have a passport, right?”
“Yeah, luckily I do.”
I’d been told to get one at my previous company, but I ended up never using it. The expiration date should still be fine. I’ll have to check it later.
“Alright, then I’ll email you the details. Let’s have a meeting next week.”
After the call ended, I mulled things over for a while. It was a sudden development, but if there was something I could do, I wanted to be of help. Besides, if my abilities could be useful, nothing would be better.
Later, I read the details Gou sent over and grasped the full picture of the inspection trip. The destination was a certain country in Southeast Asia. Gou was apparently considering whether to acquire a mine located there.
The attached photos showed a vast mining area surrounded by mountains. The surrounding nature was beautiful, but the mining site itself formed a rugged terrain.
The information also included that several bodyguards from a security company contracted by the Tetsumura Conglomerate would be accompanying us. From their perspective, I would also be one of the individuals they were assigned to protect.
Furthermore, it seemed Josuke would also be accompanying us as a consultant. “I’m counting on you both,” Gou had written.
I smiled. To be working towards the same goal with my comrades from the other world again. It was a somewhat nostalgic and reassuring feeling. And I began to think about what I could do.
On the day of departure, at the airport’s international terminal. I was waiting with Josuke at the appointed place. Josuke had his laptop open, checking the latest information. He was meticulous in his final preparations before an adventure. It seemed his habits as a former information broker were still ingrained in him.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
Gou appeared, dressed in a business suit. His perfectly groomed appearance exuded the dignity of someone from a conglomerate. Behind him stood several men and women clad in black suits. They were undoubtedly bodyguards. Their eyes constantly scanned the surroundings.
“These are your companions, I presume?”
The one who spoke was a muscular, middle-aged man with closely cropped hair. He seemed to be the head of security. His demeanor had a strictness about it, as if he were highly trained.
“Ah.”
Gou introduced Josuke and me.
“These two are my important companions. They’ll be assisting me in various ways regarding this matter.”
The bodyguard frowned for a fleeting moment. He probably found the odd combination of a conglomerate heir and two ordinary-looking men suspicious. His sharp eyes assessed Josuke and me for an instant. However, he didn’t probe any further and simply bowed his head.
“Understood. You two are also under our protection. Please let us know if you require anything.”
Once the procedures were completed, the group passed through the departure gate. Even while walking through the airport, the bodyguards constantly kept their eyes on the surroundings, moving in a formation that seemed to envelop the three of us, protecting important individuals.
On the plane, we were shown to first class. It was my first time flying first class, and I was slightly overwhelmed by the spaciousness and luxurious service. The large, leather-upholstered seats were almost like beds.
“How is it?”
Josuke spoke from my side. He already seemed accustomed to it, operating the controls to recline his seat.
“Looks like we’re being treated as VIPs of the Tetsumura Group too, you know.”
A slightly amused smile played on his lips.
“Yeah.”
I replied, sinking into the leather seat. This luxury felt a little uncomfortable. Probably because I wasn’t used to it.
“It’s almost a little uncomfortable.”
When the flight attendant brought champagne, Gou grinned. Possessing the composure of a conglomerate heir, he took a champagne flute, and the three of us toasted.
“Don’t hold back. Enjoy yourselves at times like these.”
During the flight, the three of us engaged in small talk while also discussing the upcoming inspection.
“Actually, there’s a possibility of problems arising,” Gou said, lowering his voice. His expression suddenly tensed, showing caution.
“Some organization might try to interfere.”
“So that’s it,” Josuke nodded.
“Is that why you called us?”
“Yes. Hayato-dono’s intuition, in particular, helped us many times in the other world.” Gou looked at me with a serious expression.
“I’m hoping to rely on you this time.”
“Understood. You can count on me,” I replied with a nod, accepting his request. If my abilities could be of use, I intended to cooperate to the best of my power.