A few more days later. As expected, Echigo Trading Company began promoting the large-scale raid through the dia. That the company, once shaken by its succession dispute, now seed to unify under a single banner was not a bad thing.
And yet, with Eru’s na never once ntioned, talk naturally spread among the people of the “other successor candidate, whose identity was being hidden.”
Who exactly was this person? Why had they never appeared before, and why was their na and face still concealed? Conspiracy theories spread, mixing truth and falsehood until the air was nothing but chaos. So theories, with detective-like precision, ca remarkably close to Eru’s true identity… but within that chaos, they ended up buried as just one more rumor.
“Well, given all that, the press will be out in force today.”
“I’m prepared.”
Since a horde of reporters already sward before the Japanese Headquarters of the Awakener Association, they had gathered at Inari’s house instead. At Tsukiko’s words, Eru replied firmly. Today, Eru wore her battle attire—a shrine maiden’s outfit—with a naginata propped against the wall.
“Good. In that case… we’re all here now, so let’s review each other’s roles and formation.”
“Umu.”
“Yes.”
“Understood.”
First was Eri. With her job Magic Fortress, she could handle both physical and magical attacks, serving as the main tank.
Next was Eru. Her unique job, Lunar Shrine Maiden, granted her extrely unusual skills. But more importantly, she was the most critical person to protect at any cost. She would be placed in mid-guard, with no set role—safety above all.
Then, Tsukiko. The Professor was also an unusual case. She could hold her own in any position, though not as well as a true specialist. But this ti her intellect was especially needed, so she too was positioned in mid-guard.
Finally, Inari. Her unique job, Fox Shrine Maiden, was capable of virtually anything. She would serve as tank, attacker, healer, and everything in between.
“Um, doesn’t it seem like Lady Kogami has way too many roles…?”
“It’s fine. She can do anything, so just let her do everything. It’s better not to box her in with one role.”
“Umu, that is so.”
Indeed, Tsukiko thought it best not to limit Inari with a single role. From what she had seen in their previous battle together, Inari truly could do anything. In fact, Tsukiko believed that even if Inari alone were thrown into this large-scale raid, she would have a high chance of survival.
But there was one troubling matter.
The assassins currently in custody at the Association—the thugs from the clan Red Dragon—had all clutched tightly to “magic glass beads.” When asked about them, their faces showed shock and despair.
“A trump card… Yes, they believed they possessed so trump card. Sothing they were certain could even overco Kogami Inari.”
If such a thing truly existed, it would be dangerous to rely on Inari alone. Since Eru herself was participating, if anything happened to Inari, Eru would be left defenseless. And since Eru’s survival was their victory condition, Inari’s decision to summon Tsukiko and Eri was undoubtedly the correct one.
“If we assu the Superhuman League is involved, then their target is most likely Inari. You’ve heard that much, yes?”
“Umu.”
“They’ve already abandoned the idea of recruiting you. This ti, they’ll co to kill you for certain.”
Yes, Tsukiko judged that the failed assassination attempt had been nothing but a test. To see what kind of person Inari was, whether she could be recruited or not. If soone had observed that attack, it would have been more than enough to decide. That was why she gave the warning. And Inari, smiling, replied—
“In that case, all the better. If I capture the one who cos, this matter shall be settled.”
“Perhaps. But be cautious. They must have so plan they believe can bring you down.”
“Umu. I shall be thoroughly wary.”
Inari did not for a mont consider herself invincible. The System itself was proof of her imperfection, and even considering the “godlike beings,” she always assud there would be unknowns beyond her reach.
“This ti, aside from us, everyone is an enemy. Echigo Trading Company doesn’t have proper combatants of their own. Without a doubt, the fighters will co from Sunlight.”
The Red Dragon clan’s master remained missing. So too was the so-called deputy who had once claid that title. The Association was currently pursuing them. The remaining mbers declared themselves uninvolved, and the clan disbanded with astonishing speed.
That prearranged-seeming flow only deepened the Association’s suspicion. anwhile, the other thug clan, Sunlight, was still untouched. Clearly, that was where Echigo Trading Company’s fighters would co from.
“You should know this already, but they won’t hesitate, even against humans.”
“Steel yourselves now,” Tsukiko told Eri and Eru with her gaze. As for Inari… Tsukiko trusted her without question.
“Well then, shall we? The car is waiting below.”
At Yasuno’s first words of the eting, all nodded. From here on, they were entering enemy territory. With that firmly in mind, Inari and her companions boarded the car and set off toward the dungeon.
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