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CHAPTER 53: BBQ IN THE UNDERGROUND LABYRINTH
Carrying a lump of healthy pink rabbit meat, we head for the campsite, relying on the map.
The ceiling narrows down like Gulliver Tunnel, and at the end of the ceiling is a door with an iron fence. It was high enough for an adult to enter with a bent back. The door is not locked, but it cannot be opened unless the knob is turned properly. [T/N: Gulliver Tunnel is a gadget from Doraemon.]
“…whoa…” (Shuu)
“…squeak…” (Tamiko)
It’s quite spacious inside.
The ceiling is wide, and Firefly Moss completely shifted into its night glow, pouring down bluish light. The ground is soft grass, and there are about ten cloth tents set up in the open space.
In the back is an underground lake, the shores of which are covered in shimmering sand. It looked like a resort.
“It feels like an oasis in the Outsuka Metro, squeak.” (Tamiko)
“It does? Maybe, because it’s by the water.” (Shuu)
“Oh, is this your first time here? Come here.” (Woman)
The three of us are startled by the call. There is a woman sitting in front of the tent, using a stump as a chair.
She is a tall, fabulous woman in her mid-thirties with curly hair. Her magnificent Mount Fujis are showing. Staring at her is inevitable.
“T-Thank you…” (Shuu)
“Haha, why are you holding back? We’re not the manager of this place or anything, we’re just guests just like you.” (Woman)
“Oh, is someone here, Sis?” (Other Woman)
The group was startled. The woman who came out of the tent had the exact same face and the same magnificent Mount Fujis as the first woman. A doppelganger?
“Ahaha, you guys are giving quite the good reaction. This is why we can’t stop.” (Woman)
They are twins. Their favorite game is this: one calls out to the other to come in, and the other comes out later. It’s a little frustrating that I’ve become the target for them. I’m a little embarrassed.
“We are Akabane Tribe’s Shishikaba Sisters. I am Midori Shishikaba.” (Woman => Midori)
“I’m Aoi Shishikaba. Nice to meet you, newcomer.” (Other Woman => Aoi)
The sister who first approached me was wearing a green jersey, and the sister who came out of the tent was wearing a blue jersey. They are distinguishable by their outfit’s colors, just as their names suggest.
“Is there a manager here?” (Shuu)
“No, no. There’s no one like that.” (Midori)
“Some kind soul set up this place, and since then, anyone can use it freely.” (Aoi)
“Trouble is still an everyday occurrence, though.” (Midori)
“Keep your valuables safe.” (Aoi)
“You can count on us if you need anything.” (Midori)
“It’s almost like you’re living here all year round.” (Shuu)
“We’re old-timers.” (Midori)
“Like Snufkin.” (Aoi)
Is Moomin still being passed down in this era? Anyway, the two doppelgangers talks of meddlesome questions. It’s the perfect use of their twin power.
At any rate, they don’t seem to be bad people, so we casually introduce ourselves. “I’m Abe Shu from Sugamo” “I’m Ikari Noa” and “I’m Tamiko, squeak.”
“The place is half empty, so use it as you see fit.” (Midori)
“We see many visitors these days.” (Aoi)
“We’re going to have a barbecue in a little while.” (Midori)
“If you don’t mind, please join us.” (Aoi)
“We’ve got plenty of booze, so we’ll be serving it up tonight.” (Midori)
They are not just not bad people. They are goddesses, or the real Guri and Gura sent to this world. I want to eat pancakes. [T/N: Guri and Gura are children’s book characters that originated from Japan.]
The tent on the far right of the entrance is empty. Inside, there is only a thin sheet on the ground and an empty lamp hanging from it. Even with space for luggage, there was enough room for about four people to sleep in the tent.
“Hey Noa, Gu—the twins said they were going to have a BBQ, is it okay if we join?” (Shuu)
For Tamiko and me, this is the first time (besides Noa) that we have had the opportunity to interact with other hunters in the Metro. We had passed each other several times on the way here but had only greeted each other with a “hi” in the way mountain climbers do.
This is a free camping space in the middle of a semi-lawless Metro area, free from management. I wondered if there was really no problem in terms of risk mitigation.
“I think you need to be at least cautious… but I think is fine. The metro is under the direct control of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and there are many people coming and going. I don’t think there are any hunters who would openly try to do something bad. They seemed to be of high levels.” (Noa)
“They’re both about 40, squeak.” (Tamiko)
“I see.” (Shuu)
The more you go up the levels and ranks, the less likely you are to find small-time crooks who will do evil. They can earn money without relying on such acts, and they have accumulated achievements and status. There are a few examples like that bandit chief, so it’s not an absolute rule.
“They certainly don’t seem to be bad people, and it’s a rare opportunity to meet with a senior member.” (Shuu)
“Shuu-san, I see ‘beer’ written in your eyes.” (Noa)
“What a bad adult, squeak!” (Tamiko)
The loud metallic clangs echoed outside the tent
“Everybody, gather around!” (Aoi)
“Let the barbecue begin!” (Midori)
It’s Guri to Gura, or Midori and Aoi. So all of us leave the tent to join in the fun. Hi-ho-ho!
Seven individuals are gathered on the shore of the underground lake at the far side of the tent.
Midori and Aoi. A young male and female duo. A duo of uncles. And a handsome man with red hair standing there alone.
“Ten people, isn’t that a lively group?” (Shuu)
“Actually, there is one more person.” (Aoi)
“We invited them, but they didn’t want to.” (Midori)
“So, they’re a Lone Wolf, huh?” (Aoi)
“Literally.” (Midori)
Noa twitched at the edge my gaze. Just for a brief moment.
A table is set with cups made of carved stone. Stone boxes and firewood are set up for the fire. Vegetables, mushrooms, mysterious meat, and fish with strange tentacles are grilled on skewers. The twins quickly process and skewer the Almiraj meat that Noa brought with us.
“…Tamiko, this is a real BBQ…” (Shuu)
“… An absolute sumptuous feast, squeak…” (Tamiko)
We had done a lot of fake BBQ at Outsuka Metro, but this one was on a whole new dimension.
The fire crackled and flared just right. The skewers, which had been properly sprinkled with salt and pepper, or doused with a soy sauce-like sauce, were slowly grilled. A bottle of whiskey-like liquor is on standby. The Kellogg’s Combo would have been screaming, “I can’t take it anymore!”. [T/N: Combo is a Japanese Kellogg’s mascot, a blue gorilla.]
While the two starving beasts stare at the food with deadly intensity, Midori and Aoi take a moment to introduce themselves.
The male-female duo is from Komagome City. The uncle duo is from Nerima Tribe. The hot young master is from Senju Tribe. In general, many of them are from the northern and eastern parts of New Tokyo.
After my group and everyone was done greeting each other, (and Tamiko’s “I’m ten, squeak!”), we toasted with glasses in our hands. The toast is led by the twins hosting the party.
“Yeah f*cking bastards! This is the last paradise in hell!” (Hunter)
“Tomorrow we’ll be going to the grave or nursery! It doesn’t matter, we’ll put our regrets behind us today!” (Hunter)
“Even though we hang on each other’s sleeves, to a long and prosperous relationship! For some reason or another, we’re just a bunch of fools!” (Hunter)
“Cheers to Ouji Metro and our adventures!” (Hunter)
“Yay!” (Hunter)
I took a mouthful of the amber-colored liquid. It hits my tongue, burns my throat, and then exists my nose.
“Oh! That’s the spot! Ahhh!” (Shuu)
“Abeshuu is broken again, squeak.” (Tamiko)
“We have to stay strong.” (Noa)
By the way, Tamiko and Noa drank non-alcoholic grape juice. The children are not ready for adult beverages.
Meat and vegetables are good. The rabbit meat was juicier and more tender than expected. The spices used in this dish doubled our appetite. The drinks go down smooth.
I have long since forgotten that I had been warned by Noa to not drink a lot because we have a big day tomorrow. I have two more drinks. I can almost see stars, what a nice feeling.
The story bounces around the twins and the uncle duo. Even me who was accustomed to social gatherings with my peers due to the nature of my job as a salesman. Since I was a newcomer, I remember being stopped by my senior saying things like, “We won’t let you go home until you get a lot of business cards.”
Savoring the delicious skewers and enjoying the heat of the amber liquid in my stomach. Drunken exchange with people I had never met before. Two gorgeous, tipsy beauties. It’s fun. Just plain fun.
Eventually, the topic of conversation turns to “What are you doing here in the Metro?”
“I am here for the emeralds.” (Midori)
“Amethyst. We’re after gemstones.” (Aoi)
Midori and Aoi said proudly. The color of the gemstones are the same color as their name.
“It looks like this, but we’re jewelers, you see.” (Aoi)
“Actually, we also have a third sister.” (Midori)
“A year younger than us.” (Aoi)
“She didn’t have the talent of a hunter.” (Midori)
“But she’s a lot better than us because we’re not as smart as she is.” (Aoi)
“She’s a real genius and leaving the store to her is perfect.” (Midori)
“If you’re ever in Akabane, come to Shishikaba Jewelry Store!” (Aoi)
It is said that the male-female duo is aiming for the money too. From Tamiko’s point of view, they are a little over level 30, so they might also be grinding. However, keep what you’re doing in private.
The uncle is aiming for some gold. It seems that it is close to their own golden wedding anniversary, so it’s literally for gold rings. What a happy marriage.
“Even if I don’t say anything, I can’t get out of the house much… Just by going for a walk, I get yelled at, “Hey, old man you’re going out again!’…” (Uncle 1)
“Then, I’ll just kick off saying ‘Don’t get in the way!’ A golem is much prettier than them.” (Uncle 2)
What a terrifying and veteran hunter duo (estimated level 45). I’m scared getting married.
And as for the handsome young master—he scratched his cheek and tilted his head.
“I’m just here to test my skills?” (Young Master)
I wonder if he’s as old as me. His red hair is smooth looking as it flutters in the wind, he’s elegant looking and perfect to be an idol. There’s always has a smile on his face. He doesn’t look bad, but when our eyes meet, I felt a chill on the back of my neck.
“*Whisper* (Tamiko, what’s with that guy?)” (Shuu)
“* Whisper* (50 or so, squeak.)” (Tamiko)
If it’s just the level, I am better.
Individual strength cannot be measured by level alone. It is the same for Metro Beasts and humans. If level were the only measure of strength, we would not have won against the Satan Slime, and it would have been impossible for us to survive in the Outsuka Metro in the first place.
I feel something more than level in that man.
Something that neither the twins nor the old man could find, something that lurked beneath his thin skin.
“Abe-kun, tell us about yourself?” (Uncle 1)
“From what I’ve seen, you’re young, but you look pretty skilled somehow.” (Uncle 2)
A baby’s butt smooth face that seems to be harmless to humans and beasts. This evaluation remains relatively the same in New Tokyo, and it is rare for ordinary people to be wary of me. People often even say, “You don’t look like a hunter.”
However, it seems that those who understand me do. Like the ace of Sugamo, Shimoyanagi, the old man and his wife have accumulated a lot of experience in the field.
“Um… I’m hoping to get some Mithril or something.” (Shuu)
The faces of all the members of the group stiffened. The male and female duo laughed bitterly and said, “That’s absurd.”
“Abe-kun, that’s unreasonable.” (Uncle 1)
“Mithril is just a dream.” (Uncle 2)
“It seems it was hunted down a few decades ago.” (Uncle 1)
“Nowadays it only appears in the deepest layer.” (Uncle 2)
“And they are rarely seen in the first place.”  (Uncle 1)
“And the deepest levels have recently been the home to a Boss-class Golem.” (Uncle 2)
“It’s hard for us to get our hands on it.” (Uncle 1)
The information given by the man at the reception desk seemed to be out of date.  Apparently, there is a boss on the thirtieth floor.
Even the experienced uncles thought it was a reckless challenge. It seems that it is not a simple matter.
When I glanced at Tamiko and Noa, they were kind of prim and quiet.
“Our Shuu-san is as good a hunter as any of you here.” (Noa)
“Sugamo’s strongest, squeak.” (Tamiko)
“Tamiko, pipe down.” (Shuu)
The senior members of the group tease me about my virginity. I simply deny them. “Proof! I’ll give you the proof!”
“Still… by any chance Shuu-san… well… I still respect you.” (Noa)
A finishing move.
“Well… I’m also… a…” (Noa)
I was revived.
“I’m a girl too, squeak.” (Tamiko)
“Sure, sure.” (Shuu)