Earth Dungeon 48.1

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Chapter 48.1. Recruitment

The midsummer sun was still scorching, radiating a sweltering heat. In this desolate world, where ruins stretched, remnants of asphalt remained, the shimmering heat haze rose and made me sigh.

[It's so hot, isn't it?]

[And repeating this 8 times is also annoying.]

[What the heck?]

Shizuku's and my thoughts exchanged light banter before shifting their gaze to the scene before me.

There were no window glasses. Instead, boards were nailed over the windows. The dilapidated houses stood around, and ivy crawled over the abandoned buildings. Boards covered the windows, and a rusted car had crashed into the entrance, sealing it shut. All entry points were unusually blocked. The reason for this was that a school was located at the center.

There was a five-meter-high wall with plywood reinforcements in various places.

On top of that wall, many people were standing, aiming their bows menacingly at them. 

They were people with unkempt clothes, disheveled hair, and worn-out faces, looking at them with stern expressions.

And many people were standing in front of the wall as well.

[People, such a peaceful term, isn't it?]

[Yeah, let's rephrase it. They're soldiers.]

In response to Shizuku-san's quip, I half-eyedly replied. Yeah, they are both soldiers.

They held long spears and had the troops lined up. There were no archers, but some of them had guns in their hands. Their clothes looked worn and likely had a sweaty smell, but they weren't dirty.

Someone had made a battle flag, with the character of "Heaven" drawn on it. Yeah, who made that? That's quite embarrassing.

They are glaring at our employees, yes.

"I'm Takeda Shingen! I'm the general of the Amatsugahara Corporation! This territory of yours is ours. Surrender!"

One of my employees appeared at the gate, riding a horse and making the clattering sound of hooves. 

He wore the usual samurai armor even in this scorching weather, and despite being drenched in sweat, he enthusiastically raised his long spear and introduced himself.

"Hey, is he an idiot? Doesn't he know he's tarnishing the image of our company?"

I asked the question to Shingen's son standing next to me. What's he doing?

"Old man usually hides it, but he's a samurai maniac..."

"He hides it? Where did he hide it? He was always wearing that armor, right?"

Shingen's son avoided my gaze. I want him to look me in the eye when he answers. Don't make the cool me play the role of the straight man.

And he's telling them to surrender. What a harsh way.

"Get lost! This is my territory! Go back, attack!"

The boss-like man on top of the wall shouted back, veins popping out on his forehead. At the same time, his men drew their bows and released their arrows. It was evident they had no intention of negotiating. That's a fitting attitude for the abandoned town. Shingen's way of speaking might be appropriate.

"It's a tough world, isn't it?"

"Yeah..."

The arrows approached Shingen and the others, then fell powerless in mid-air. The opponent was surprised and startled by the outcome.

"It's a skill! Keep shooting without hesitation!"

The boss yelled at his subordinates and aimed his bow again, but it was futile. That's because ordinary arrows couldn't pierce my Shadow Serpent. It seemed they didn't have any skilled individuals with unique abilities.

"Haa~ Well, this is an abandoned town, after all. How many people make up this force?"

"About 300 people. Behind the wall is a large former elementary and middle school building. The wall was originally strong, so they used it as their base."

I see. There are many small bases around here. Due to the abundance of monsters, they create small bases to hide and survive. 

There are too many bases with hundreds of people, and it's hard to keep track. This is also my first time here.

[In games, it's like a tutorial, right? You conquer small bases, build your power, and raise the banner of the Amatsugahara Corporation. I'll create an edited character with leadership and strength both at 100.]

With a proud chest and a snort, Shizuku-san was full of confidence. Indeed, Shizuku-san might have that kind of power.

[I'm not a Sengoku warlord, you know... Seriously, let's just take care of this quickly. Honestly, we have too much flour left over.]

I miscalculated a bit. I got 500 kg of flour for nothing. Yeah, I have too much of it. We could get bread, and we sold potatoes cheaply too.

People can't survive on just flour alone. I need to add corn to the mix.

[So, you'll kidnap customers and bring them here, huh? I understand.]

[You're not very good at listening to people.]

Stopping the conversation with Shizuku-san in my mind, I start walking. 

The self-proclaimed general Shingen, still on horseback, watches the arrows fall with a calm expression, but that's because he's Kenshin. He won't lose. I wonder what would happen if the enemy had someone with a handgun.

Passing by him, I move towards the door. Arrows fly towards me again, but I don't mind. Now, shall I greet the president?

"Shoot. Shoot!"

The enemy boss keeps shooting arrows relentlessly. Does he not know me?

Do I have to wear black clothes? I'm wearing a shirt and jeans today. I remember an old tale about a great general lending his red armor to a young man on his first battle. The young man fought bravely without hesitation and died.

Well, I can't help it then.

[Shadow Puppet]

I smoothly summon my shadow, enveloping my body. I become the black-clothed guy even in the middle of summer.

With my odd appearance, there's another commotion. It seems my name has somewhat spread.

"My name is Amano Sakimori. Recently, I established the Amatsugahara Corporation. I've set up a market near your base and came here to advertise."

"Ngh! I've heard about that, but advertising?"

"Yeah, please come to my market. For now, leave this place and come to my base."

I want people for both the market and the fields. I need more hands.