Chapter 198: Who is this Guy?

The next morning, I woke up feeling remarkably refreshed.

“Good morning, Sakura. Breakfast is ready.”

“Good morning, Keisuke-san. It’s early, isn’t it?”

“I’ve gotten used to it already. The customs from the other world have really stuck with me.”

“For me, I feel like my physical recovery is faster… I’ve realized it in various ways.”

“Yeah, that’s true. Yesterday was quite eventful.”

“Is that so?”

“Well, I understand what you mean.”

So, there wasn’t any awkward tension between us like before.

After quickly finishing breakfast, I immediately started browsing related websites — and by chance, I came across a certain video.

The title of the video was “The Barrier Village of Another World.”

There’s a possibility he might be the other village chief… No, judging from the content, it’s definitely about the Nanashi Village. The person who posted the video was someone whose face seemed familiar.

“Do you remember seeing this guy somewhere?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure. Now that you mention it, he does seem familiar…”

“I wonder who he is. He’s definitely someone we met in the other world.”

It’s somewhere in the back of my mind. But I can’t quite figure out who he is.

“Oh, I remember! This guy came with Touya-kun and the others!”

“Oh, right. The guy who got banished the next day.”

“That’s him. But if he remembers things from the other world… then he must have made it to the town after all.”

At that time, three people were automatically banished. At least one of them seems to have survived. I was surprised that he managed to make it all the way to Kemos, but what surprised me even more was what was revealed in the video he posted.

Not only did he talk about Nanashi Village, the barrier, and our house, but he also talked about those guys we took care of back then. The only relief was that he accurately reported what happened and didn’t distort the facts.

The comments section of the video contains a mix of opinions. The ratio of pros and cons is about fifty-fifty, and there are surprisingly many comments defending the village. But… it doesn’t change the fact that people were killed. There are also quite a few harsh comments.

“This might cause problems for our future activities.”

“Do you think so? It’s about a different world, so maybe it won’t be a big deal?”

“That’s being too optimistic. There are plenty of negative opinions too.”

“So, should we stop recruiting in Japan?”

“No, that’s a separate issue. Anyway, if we take people to the other world, exchanges of life will inevitably occur. Only those who can accept that reality will be able to continue.”

“I see. Though you put it bluntly… it’s necessary to screen them beforehand.”

(In any case, this is my fault for neglecting it back then.)

There’s no use regretting it now, so I nodded to Sakura’s words and continued to look through other information.

◇◇◇

After finishing up most of my research, we decided to return to the other world in the early afternoon.

I packed Japanese products into the versatile bag. Verification is necessary for everything. With both hands full of baggage, we passed through the gate to the other world.

“Phew, we made it back safely.”

“Using the term ‘back’ feels strange, doesn’t it?”

“But for some reason, I feel more at ease here.”

“Yeah, I can somewhat relate.”

After sending telepathic messages to Tsubaki and the others, they quickly gathered at our house. It seems like the ones who stayed behind were in town today. Of course, even the Goddess was there.

The first person I saw was Touya. He didn’t show any signs of worry… but he’s probably relieved inside.

As for the contents of my luggage and the versatile bag — there were magic stones I brought from the other world, but unfortunately, I couldn’t bring a single item purchased in Japan.

Regardless of whether they could be obtained or not, it seems impossible to bring firearms and dominate the other world. But at least if I could bring food or household appliances… well, it seems like I’ll have to give up on that matter.

“Everyone, we’re back.”

“Village Chief, you just came back normally? I thought you’d be involved in some incident… I’m a little disappointed.”

Touya, that guy. He’s putting on a brave face, but… he’s actually smiling.

“Well, yeah. But more importantly, listen up, everyone. Another modern fantasy has begun over there.”

“Oh, what about the monsters? Were there goblins?”

“Yeah, we found them quite frequently. But… something seems off.”

“What do you mean by ‘off’?”

“As for that… Sakura, could you explain? You’ll probably make it easier to understand than if I did.”

“Sure, let me explain starting from the current situation in Japan and the events leading up to this.” 

With all the Japanese members gathered in the village, the explanation of Japan’s current situation begins. The talk of ‘ phenomenon of teleporters returning after death,’ ‘Appearance of Monsters,’ ‘Existence of Illusion Barriers,’ etc., surprised everyone.

“―― Well, that’s about it. Japan isn’t collapsing or in dire straits. Everything seems pretty peaceful.”

“Sakura-san, we’re eager to go there soon, but… is it not possible right away?”

“I think it’s fine. However, we also have responsibilities here. If you plan to go for an extended period, make sure to hand over your duties properly.”

“I see… understood. I’ll prepare as soon as possible.”

Starting with Touya’s talk, it’s time for the Japanese members to ask questions. While keeping an eye on the busy Sakura, I asked the Goddess.

“Nanasia-sama, there’s something I’d like to ask now—”

“Yes, I’ll answer anything I can.”

“Regarding the monsters and the barrier, are they still related to the Sun and Moon Goddesses?”

“…Yes, they are. Probably—”

The appearance of monsters seems to be influenced by the presence of the two goddesses in Japan. Even though they are spiritual beings, the manifestation of the goddesses seems to have caused the monsters to materialize.

As for the Illusion Barrier, it was a measure taken to contain the series of events that occurred in Japan. However, it’s still unclear who erected the barrier. It could be a higher existence of the goddesses or perhaps the gods of the Earth. Nanasia-sama added that if she were to go to Earth, she might find out something.

“Keisuke-san, we’re done with this topic.”

“Sakura, thank you.”

It seems the question time is over, and they seem to be asking about my action plan. Since Japan has become a fantasy world, the first thing to do is to establish a solid base and stabilize our living conditions. There’s no need to rush.

“Also, there’s something I need to tell everyone here.”

Yes, I have to make this declaration.

“Those who wish to return to Japan and do as they please are free to do so. However, it’s entirely at their own risk. Those who endanger the village will be exiled without mercy.”

The telepathy won’t work if their loyalty is less than 90. They won’t know where they belong, and they won’t be able to receive any help. They can use their acquired power to dominate or earn money, but if they get caught, they must deal with it themselves.

“For Japanese recruited on Earth, there will be a loyalty limit of 50. Furthermore, only those with a loyalty of 90 or higher will be invited to the other world.”

Currently, those recruited in Japan can’t be taken to the other world. It’s different if they’ve been to the other world at least once. Enhancing the gate to the other world might make it possible, but I think that time is still far off. At the very least, we need to secure their living environment in Japan first.

Another thing that concerns me is the other village chief. He’s unofficially called the ‘Student Village Chief.’ I explained that we’ll decide on our future policy while observing the movements of the Student Village Chief.

By the way, this is totally unrelated… but I’ve ordered renovations for the bathtub and a large tent. Both are scheduled for a week from now.

I’m planning to take the Goddess with us at that time.

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