9
It’s been a week since the celebration.
After Viper went out with a bang, a hysterical Heine and I got some time off. We’ve been spending our days in a stupor.
Of course, in my case, even without getting the time off, it’s not like I do any work.
Alice really is responsible for the outcome this time around, but I understand her on an intellectual level. Though I hate to admit it, the cold, unfeeling android is right.
I guess if the only other option was to be executed as a lowly prisoner while the masses howl for blood, it’s better to leave an impact and keep the pride of a Demon Lord intact.
Yeah, yeah, I know all that.
And I know that, in order to end the long-standing war, there needs to be some sort of scapegoat…
“…Hey, Heine. ‘Eyes of Red, Mane of Night. The Unrivaled King of All-Consuming Flame’… What monster does that sound like to you?”
“…Sounds like a description for a dark god or a god of destruction or something. Don’t ask me. I’m not good at using my head.”
The puzzles are still confusing as hell, but I’m determined to finish this shitty game.
I’d rather not ask for Alice’s help, but at this rate, I might need it.
“…Looks like dark god and god of destruction are both wrong. Sigh, I died again…”
As I lay on the office sofa, I toss the game console aside.
Heine is lazily draped against the chair where Viper used to sit and do her work.
“…I wonder how long I have off… If Mr. Destroyer’s getting hungry, I should probably return to work as soon as possible…”
I guess she still doesn’t know the truth about Mr. Destroyer. It’s more entertaining to watch her act as though he’s alive, though, so I’m not about to tell her.
…As I let out a loud yawn, I hear something come in over the intercom.
“All Kisaragi personnel, please assemble in the square. A new mutant has arrived from headquarters. They will now make their introduction. Make sure all of you attend.”
At Alice’s sudden announcement, I let out a brief “…Oh, right.”
“Oops. I forgot I’d requested mutant reinforcements from HQ.”
“With all these forces at your disposal, you still need more?”
Heine asks this, but no, that’s not it.
I had requested they send over Panda Man or Koala Man because a certain someone had a thing for cute creatures.
But it’s pointless now.
“I guess I should go welcome them since it was my request…”
I can’t muster up any enthusiasm, but I don’t really have a choice.
At least Panda Man and Koala Man are soothing just to be around.
Maybe they’re what we need most right now.
Heine and I drag our lethargic bodies out of the office and somehow make our way to the square.
We arrive to find everyone else already waiting.
“Hey, Alice, who did they send? Panda Man or Koala Man?”
“Huh? Those two are too popular to send to a backwater rock like this.”
I can’t help but deflate at Alice’s quick reply.
I was going to bury my face in Panda Man’s plush belly, but it seems I won’t even get to indulge in that little bit of happiness.
I slump in front of the assembled Combat Agents and vaguely glance in the direction of our new mutant recruit.
The mutant is dressed in a full bodysuit that looks a bit like a motorcycle outfit.
And unusually for a mutant, they’re wearing a helmet that covers their whole face, much like the ones given to us Combat Agents.
Based on the few features that I can see poking through the suit, it seems this mutant is a woman.
Maybe I should start giving Alice more credit…
As tears flow down Heine’s cheeks, the mutant—who is only wearing a sleeve on her left arm for some reason—speaks in a voice that sounds oddly familiar.
* * *
“Hello, everyone. It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I am the mutant Snake Woman. I’ve been sent from Kisaragi Corporation headquarters to aid in your efforts… I’m fairly confident in my ability to process paperwork, and my hobby is…”
Though she’s supposed to be addressing everyone in attendance, I feel her looking directly at me as she speaks.
“…solving puzzles in video games.”
And with that, the corners of her mouth curl up into a radiant smile.
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