LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 246.1
Chapter 246.1. Hokkaido
After being defeated by the dungeon’s invasion, Japan allowed the rampage of monsters… Many cities crumbled and perished due to the stampede caused by the monsters that overflowed from the dungeon. Countless people died.
However, major cities like Tokyo constructed walls to surround themselves. Somehow, they managed to fend off the onslaught from the monsters, and the humans living in Japan barely held on to their lives.
Among the surviving cities was Hokkaido. Specifically, Hakodate. It was a major town, and with the nearby Self-Defense Forces joining Hakodate, a small territory, akin to a cookie crumb, was being protected by walls in the vastness of Hokkaido.
However, most of Hokkaido’s land was left unattended, turning into places where no humans resided.
………Until recently.
In Hokkaido, there’s a small island in a lake known as a dwelling of gods. There are remnants of constructions, including an observation deck for tourists. However, since humans had vanished and a dungeon had formed nearby, the buildings, abandoned for over a decade, had rapidly succumbed to nature’s invasion and were now covered in greenery.
On windows long blackened and unrecognizable, thick vines clung tightly, and inside what used to be a souvenir shop that welcomed many tourists, shelves were crushed by concrete, pushed up by trees growing from the earth, and covered in moss, resembling a cave.
The concrete walls barely stood as reminders of what was once man-made, likely described by an archaeologist. The thriving vegetation was reclaiming the land, returning it to nature.
If left unchecked, in another ten years, the buildings would have vanished without a trace, yet now they were beginning to regain their former appearances.
Hokkaido, just entering January, had several meters of snow accumulated, making it seem impossible to carry out any work, yet this area was devoid of snow remnants, basking in a spring-like warmth. A short distance away was a landscape entirely blanketed in snow, highlighting the strangeness of this region.
In this unusual environment, a group silently worked to clean the buildings. It was a scene that might seem bizarre to outsiders. After all, the people removing the plants covering the building worked with expressions as still as Noh masks.
The men with Noh-like expressions directed their hands toward the abundant moss that filled the shelves.
[Life Drain]
The men activated their magic. As their hands emitted the light of mana, an aura seemed to be sucked out, turning the moss gray and causing it to crumble. The trees breaking through the concrete floor and the vines clinging to the walls were also being eradicated with the same magic.
After tossing the remnants into burlap sacks, they went outside to scatter and dispose of them. They had been endlessly repeating this task, and the tourist facility was rapidly regaining its former appearance. Although it was still in ruins.
“How wonderful. Is this the result of dungeon technology?”
Outside the building, a little distance away, some men stood watching those working diligently. Among them was a chubby middle-aged man with kind eyes who asked the man beside him while observing the scene.
“Indeed. Rather than dungeon technology, it’s the result of the hard work put in by those old guys. I just tweaked a few things.”
“How splendid. I’d foolishly think it would be great if you could share that technology with us.”
The man in a shabby suit grinned and nodded in response to the inquiry while directly requesting the technology.
“Ah, I’d love to share it, but you see, it’s quite complicated. After all, I’m a military man. I can’t proceed without permission from above, Oda-san.”
“Of course, that makes sense. In the meantime, the Oda family will provide support, so please rest assured. Although we may be newcomers, we want to do our best as part of your efforts to save the nation.”
The good-natured man, who didn’t appear very capable, was Oda Nobuhiro. He was the head of the Oda family, which was ranked number four in the inner town. Nobuhiro narrowed his eyes, conveying a sharp gaze that didn’t quite match his friendly face to the grinning man.
“Omokane-dono, I understand your struggles. You’ve lived this far without funds, materials, or even food.”
It seemed he was genuinely concerned for his counterpart, yet he subtly implied that without his support, they would not manage. Smiling warmly, Nobuhiro looked at Omokane.
“I’m grateful to hear that. I’m not very good at management or leading troops. Meeting you, Nobuhiro-san, has truly been a blessing. No, really.”
The middle-aged man bowed repeatedly, expressing his gratitude like a subordinate employee. Dressed in a shabby suit and wearing a light smile was a lean man named Omokane. He bore the name of a god from mythology.
Initially, Nobuhiro expected him to be an arrogant man named after a god, based on what he heard from those who made contact. Contrary to his expectations, Omokane was quite humble. He seemed more like the director of a small research lab struggling with budget issues.
Honestly, it was a bit of a letdown. The contact was made after the failed coup by the Miyoshi family. He quickly guessed who they were and secretly donned a talisman for mental resistance while agreeing to discuss things. He had already heard that the head of the Miyoshi family had been manipulated mentally.
What Omokane sought was simple and straightforward. He would pay for food and other supplies, asking to sell them secretly. Just that.
“Don’t worry about it. More than that, I hope to call your comrades as soon as possible, and I pray for the success of your research.”
“That’s alright. We can verify it soon. By placing two Gate Crystals that exchange terrain close together, a gate allowing free passage will be created. That part is already complete. Please look forward to it.”
“I trust you. After all, Omokane-san, you can operate that flying battleship.”
Seeing Omokane grin, Nobuhiro expressed his trust in return with a cheerful demeanor, pretending to be a good-natured person readily accepting the role of a guarantor when borrowing money. Omokane once again bowed deeply, assuring him to leave it to him.
Thanks to Nobuhiro providing materials and food, a large number of containers were placed around the facility, which was progressing in restoration. These had been discreetly labeled for trade and taken out.
Without a crane, several tons of containers were stacked around. Inside them were metals, including steel, various computer products, cement for building, and a large amount of flour and rice, along with other food supplies.
Each container would likely reach 100 million yen. Stacked high were these containers, and beside them were several men with angel wings.
The angels joined hands, forming a circle, as if singing a hymn together.
“Lah, lah, la la la~”
The angels sang in harmony with clear, beautiful voices. In the center of the circle, as if woven into the song of mana being chanted, a magic circle was drawn in the air, and from within it, a new container emerged and was placed on the ground.
[Apport]
[Chanting]
Due to the cooperative magic of the angels, [Apport], which should only be able to carry small items, was amplifying, effortlessly moving several tons of containers from the Oda family’s warehouse.
It was the first time Nobuhiro had witnessed such magic. When he saw it for the first time, his eyes widened in astonishment. With this magic, the flow of goods would significantly change.