Reborn Into A Dark Social Game World With Completely Loyal Friends. - Chapter 10: The Empire― where tragedies converge.

The Empire― where tragedies converge.

“Fun times just flew by, huh!”

“Yeah, though I’m quite tired now.”

Minato let out a deep sigh, and Mia chuckled wryly as she looked at him.

After that, Mia sincerely explained the situation to the members of the instructional squad, including Makina.

Of course, Mia conveyed that Minato was a very important person to her, withholding details about what kind of person he was and what he intended to do.

“…For Mia to say it so seriously. But rules are rules… I’ll let it slide today. Next time, try not to attract attention, or at least inform us beforehand.”

Makina and the other members, including Mia, said so.

Though normally not permitted and unprecedented, Mia’s explanation allowed them to accept Minato’s visit. Minato not only let Mia do the talking but also demonstrated sincerity by apologizing for coming unannounced.

“Makina-chan and the others… I thought they’d be tough, but maybe it’s because the person they’re dealing with is Minato-san?”

“I wonder… I don’t think Makina’s memory of you has changed much, and I don’t know about the other members.”

“Maybe it’s because they don’t see this type often in this world? They might sense kindness in wanting to act for someone’s sake without discussing goals or anything.”

Minato smiled at that thought and turned to Thanatos flying next to him.

“So, Tanachan, can you continue with your story?”

Thanatos was about to say something when Makina and the others arrived, cutting off the conversation.

“It’s just a suggestion… Regarding the Empire… and even the border villages, the climate changes drastically, making it unsuitable as a living environment. So, why not consider evacuating around Nevalis Castle? There may not be homes or anything there, but if people can escape from that hopeless space, wouldn’t they be happy?”

“…Is that… well, isn’t it a bad idea?”

“True, not even ordinary people or beasts approach Nevalis… It’s an inaccessible wilderness, so wouldn’t it be a good idea?”

Certainly, the safety of the area around Nevalis Castle lies in the fact that no one can find it.

But there’s the problem of food and housing… Regarding that, Mia said this.

“Hey Minato-san, the Empire discriminates horribly. Plus, as Thanatos mentioned, the environment is bad too, so people can’t even escape to another country on foot. Along the way, those already weakened might collapse… Even if they manage to reach the border, there are strong walls so they can’t get out.”

“… Compared to that, is it like paradise here?”

“That’s right. Thanatos can provide food, and I can help in various ways. First, let’s make sure everyone gets a good meal and recovers their strength. Then, we can have them build buildings and such. Maybe, Minato-san, they’ll worship you as their king for helping them?”

“Uh… Is that really okay?”

“Hmm… That could actually happen. It might be interesting to create a new country with you as king.”

“I’m not suited for that, so please stop,” Minato sighs wearily but nods in agreement with the proposal.

However, it seems our decision will depend on seeing the current state of the Empire.

“It’s frustrating, but Thanatos’s Shadow Taxi are convenient, huh? Despite how hard it is to cross borders, they can easily enter and exit.”

“Don’t call them taxis. They’re Shadow Distances.”

“It’s easier to say taxi, though.”

“… Taxi sounds lame, doesn’t it?”

Thanatos looks at Minato with watery eyes.

“… Sorry, Tana-chan, ‘taxi’ is just easier for me too.”

“Fine! Let’s go with ‘taxi’ then!”

Finally starting to cry, Minato says, 

“Come here, Tana-chan.”

“Will you… allow me to do… this atleast?”

With a pat on the chest and a gentle stroke on the head, Minato reassures Thanatos, who purrs happily, reluctantly accepting the term “taxi” for the future.

“Anyway, we’ve decided on our plan.”

“Yeah… Thank you so much.”

“That’s fine♪ Because it’s you, Minato-san! But just one thing, I want you to remember…”

Mia nods with a serious look and says.

“Minato-san, your aspirations are noble and wonderful… However, in the course of pursuing them, there will inevitably be battles that cannot be avoided. You understand that, right? That this world is cruel… It applies to me, to Thanatos, and there will come a time when I will have to order someone’s death.”

“Uh…”

“Of course, depending on the situation… Well, I might think it necessary to kill without question before seeking instructions, but let’s consider that possibility.”

“… Understood.”

I understand… No, that’s a lie. I don’t understand anything.

But I had imagined that such a decision would inevitably be necessary… However, I wonder if Minato will have the courage when that time comes.

He couldn’t answer right away… But when that moment arrives, Minato will deeply engrave in his heart that it’s the time to face reality in its truest sense.

***

Since then, about two more days have passed.

I was informed by Mia that there are suspicious movements in the kingdom, indicating it’s about time for the story to progress.

And here, too, after completing various preparations, the time has come to be welcomed into the empire.

“Wait… Mia?”

“What’s up?”

I had been asked to stop by France before departure, so I visited early in the morning… but for some reason, Mia seemed eager to go out.

Minato was dressed in a warm coat in preparation for the extreme cold of the empire, and Mia had done the same… Minato wondered why and if she really intended to come along.

“No way! I did ask her for help, but isn’t it risky for Mia to accompany us to the site?”

The empire is essentially like an inviolable prison.

Mia, being such a powerful figure even feared by other countries, it’s natural that the empire would feel the same… if she were to set foot in the empire, it might be seen as interference from France.

“Well, yeah, I understand that, but Minato-san going to the empire alone and being silently seen off isn’t an option. I trust in Thanatos’s power, you know? But still, it’s worrisome.”

“But…”

“Besides, it’s not easy to infiltrate the empire, and in a way, it might go unnoticed. Also, I’ll leave behind the weapons I use as an instructor, so it should be fine!”

“…………”

If Mia says it’ll be fine… then maybe it will be, Minato sighed.

“And besides, we’re not planning to stay overnight there, right? Thanks to Thanatos, we can travel any distance in a day, so there’s no problem with that. Really, Thanatos is too convenient.”

“I’m not particularly pleased to hear that from you.”

“You should take compliments gracefully, you’re so ungrateful.”

“Shut up.”

“Huh?”

“Oh?”

With all this commotion, it’s finally time to depart.

Thanks to Mia preparing the luggage for any eventuality, and also because of the memories she retains, there are items in the bag.

“…………”

“Are you scared?”

“…a little.”

Entering the shadows would immediately lead to the land of the empire… in this world, the most terrifying and cruel land awaits… Mia gently envelops Minato’s trembling hands.

“It’s okay, I’m right here.”

“I’m here too. So, we’ll be fine.”

“…Yeah. Thank you both.”

With a reassuring pat on the cheek, Minato and the others slipped into the empire using shadows.

The first thing that greeted their eyes was a world of silver… everything in sight was covered in snow.

Describing it as a pure white and fantastical sight sounded nice, but more than that, the extreme cold cut through their skin like a knife.

“So… co-cold!?”

“Isn’t it too cold!?”

“Is that so? It feels pleasantly cool to me…”

True to the legendary Black Dragon, this level of cold seemed not to bother him.

“Anyway, it’s completely white all around here. Where exactly have we moved to?”

“We’re at the far eastern edge―― look behind.”

“Wow…”

“Oh…”

As they were told, they looked behind them and saw a sturdy wall.

This was the border wall that separated the outside world, fortified with what seemed like a magical membrane that wouldn’t even allow jumping over.

This was the inviolable wall of the empire… a prison wall where one couldn’t leave or enter without permission.

“Huh? What’s that?”

“Minato-san?”

Suddenly, Minato noticed a mound of piled-up snow.

Swiftly clearing away the snow with his feet… what emerged from there was the skeletal remains of a young boy.

“!!?”

It was unmistakably a young boy.

Wrapped in tattered clothes, with signs of partial skeletal decay visible, one could tell from the size that it was a child.

“…………”

Minato was at a loss for words.

He understood… he knew what kind of place the empire was, and how this young boy had come here seeking help, only to perish.

“…This country really is trash. I feel sorry for this child, but even so, we outsiders can’t intervene. We have enough troubles in our own countries, and this isn’t a nation we willingly associate with.”

“Don’t turn away, Master.”

Upon hearing Mia’s words, Thanatos spoke to Minato as he tried to avert his gaze.

“You will see more of this from now on. You knew this was what you would face, this despair you’ve chosen to confront, right? If so, then face it without turning away.”

“Wait, Thanatos, that’s eno――”

“…No, you’re right.”

Minato held back his emotions and did not look away.

He had decided to confront this cruelty… in this world of endless despair, he had resolved to shine even a little light… and so he did!

“…But, it’s too overwhelming to stare at for too long.”

“No, perhaps I spoke too strongly.”

“No, you didn’t. Thank you, Tana-chan… Alright, let’s go.”

Now, beyond this point, there would surely be more profound despair.

Even so, Minato looked ahead and took one step… then another, beginning to walk across the snowy plains.