Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 193: Fantasy Zone (Phantasmal Barrier)
About three months ago—
More precisely, 115 days ago, the existence of the other village chief and people from another world became known to the public.
According to online information, his home surroundings are reportedly surrounded by the Self-Defense Forces… But frankly, I don’t think there’s that much restraint. If they expand the premises, they can break through, and with repeated movements, it should be possible.
Of course, there’s a possibility that the village skill he possesses is completely different from mine. Even so, since he can still create a barrier, as long as he’s careful, he shouldn’t get caught.
“Now, let’s continue reading.”
“Yeah. By the way, all the topics written here… they’re all amazing, aren’t they? Isn’t this like a complete modern fantasy?”
Actually, I took a peek too. Let’s skip the details for now and just go over the overview.
Day 460: Sightings in Urban Areas
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Unknown creatures have been sighted even in urban areas. It has been confirmed that they materialize along with the occurrence of black mist. Although they don’t attack people directly, there are frequent incidents of garbage scavenging and crop damage.
Day 470: Existence of Monsters and Magic Stones
On this day, the Japanese government issued a statement.
The collective term for unknown creatures is designated as “monsters.”
When monsters are exterminated, they leave behind crystallized magic energy called “magic stones.” Additionally, some monsters leave behind materials or meat.
Exterminating monsters may lead to an increase in physical abilities. This is commonly known as the “leveling up” phenomenon.
Currently, research on monsters and magic stones is being conducted under government leadership. Assistance from returnees from another world is being utilized in this research. Furthermore, successful production of fuel resources using magic stones has been achieved.
Changes are occurring in the membrane covering Japan. The color has become darker, and passing through it now generates resistance.
“What do you think about this announcement? It feels like it’s encouraging monster hunting and seems a bit reckless, doesn’t it?”
“Well, isn’t it a bit too late for that? I’m sure some people are already hunting them like crazy, and I bet there are plenty of videos of it.”
“Is it like saying there’s no point in hiding it? But this… How did such a statement pass?”
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Sakura pointed to the following passage:
“The government does not recommend the extermination of monsters. At the same time, no legal regulations will be enacted. Additionally, in the event of injury or death, all responsibility lies with the individual.”
Even though they don’t attack, accidents could still happen. Normally, such an irresponsible statement would be unthinkable. That’s the general interpretation, but…
“There’s government-led research, right? They’ve probably made significant progress, maybe even to the point of practical application. Maybe it’ll be announced soon?”
“But this is quite something, isn’t it?”
“And eventually, barriers like this might become impassable too.”
If Japan becomes isolated from the world, naturally, energy and food problems will arise. If that happens, it’ll be too late to panic… Major issues will shift here while some parts of society are busy making noise.
“No food to eat. No electricity or water to use.”
It’s a problem directly related to survival. Compared to such a dire situation, this kind of statement isn’t a big deal.
The government has been dealing with various issues behind the scenes. They’ve been considering citizens’ lives in preparation for the future. Even though things may not go exactly as planned, it’s not necessarily wrong in terms of dealing with reality. Well, we don’t really know their true intentions…
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Day 490: Investigation Team from Overseas
After several months of negotiations, an official dispatch of an investigation team from overseas has been decided. With a few exceptions, the Japanese government has fully approved cooperation with the investigation.
This is unconfirmed information, but it seems that in exchange for cooperation in the investigation, they’ve obtained rare resources and some food. It’s rumored that a considerable amount has already been secured.
Day 500: Fantasy Barrier
A thin film has completely solidified around the seas surrounding Japan and the entire country itself. At this point, the membrane is officially called the “Fantasy Barrier.” It’s a clever name, isn’t it?
Regarding this Phantasmal Barrier, the following points are currently known:
– Humans, goods, ships, and aircraft cannot enter or leave.
– Sea water and marine life can pass through, but monsters cannot.
– Land animals have not been verified. Passage of birds has been confirmed.
Day 530: Introduction of Magic Energy
Government-led research on monsters and magic stones is progressing. Those who were magic engineers among the returnees from another world have established something called “magic stone fuel.” It’s announced to be used as an alternative fuel for power generation technology such as nuclear, thermal, and hydroelectric power, as well as for gasoline, oil, and gas.
Furthermore, the government will purchase magic stones obtained from defeating monsters. The policy to permit ordinary people to hunt monsters has been announced. In addition, all purchases of magic stones and materials will be tax-free, and private buying, selling, and trading will be prohibited.
All magic energy-related technologies will be under the control of the government.
“Hey, I get the idea of power generation technology, but… what’s an alternative fuel for oil? Even if there’s magic stone fuel, wouldn’t we need specific magic tools for car engines and household gas stoves?”
“Indeed… You would need dedicated magic tools for things like car engines and household gas stoves.”
Electrically charged magic tools exist, so I can still understand electricity. But when it comes to the internal combustion structure of cars and appliances like stoves, they would need to be replaced. The widespread adoption of this to all vehicles and households… How many years ahead are we talking about?
“Oh, Keisuke-san, it’s mentioned here. I don’t really understand it, but it seems like they’re creating something similar to crude oil?”
“No, no, no… Isn’t that already in the realm of alchemy?”
“Even if you ask me… If I had to say, maybe they’re converting magic stones themselves into crude oil?”
“Magic stone = remains of monsters = crude oil, something like that?”
“In terms of logic, yes.”
“Well, trying to find logic in fantasy… Let’s just accept it as it is.”
“Replacing cars with magic engines! Distributing magic stoves to all households! That’s better than some cheesy ending, right?”
“Yeah. Well, that’s true. Let’s go with that.”
Regarding this announcement, various discussions are being held not only in Japan but also around the world. It’s detailed in the timeline, but since it involves various interests and entanglements, I’ll spare you the explanation.
Even today, it seems the uproar hasn’t settled. But there’s been no change in the country’s policy—they seem determined to continue as is.
“Finally, we’ve caught up to the present.”
“I feel like I’ve had enough just from reading… Honestly, I don’t know what to do.”
“Me neither. All I’ve understood is that fantasy has begun in Japan too.”
“Well, it’s a typical development, isn’t it?”
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“If we can call this typical… then we must be pretty desensitized.”
“But as someone who’s experienced another world, don’t you feel like we’re in extra time?”
“I get what you mean. Honestly, I’m not surprised at all. I’ve just accepted it as normal.”
The Fantasy Barrier and magic energy, as well as ordinary people becoming adventurers—all of it makes me think, “Ah, I see,” and nothing more. In fact, this situation might even be easier to live in. Well, maybe that’s just our “aptitude for another world” at play.
“All right, let’s quickly summarize the current situation and then head outside.”
“Yes. I also want to see how the town looks, and I’d like to meet your grandpa, Keisuke-san!”
“But in this situation… I wonder if they’re okay, the old folks?”
“It seems there haven’t been any casualties, so I think they’re okay…?”
“Yeah, that’s probably true. They’re probably doing just fine.”
“Hah…Keisuke-san, you really raise flags at every opportunity, don’t you?”
“That’s the sad nature of an old man. Anyway, let’s go to the site and check it out.”
“Well, the flags you raise, Keisuke-san… they usually end up breaking anyway.”
With a cold glance from Sakura, the old man quietly averted his eyes.