We need to get through the sewage system via the manhole, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves and talk about the fundamental issue; there are additional problems to consider.
First, can we even fit Himari’s wheelchair through that thing? sigh Essentially, the manhole isn’t that big to begin with, and with the ladder in place, there’s barely any space for the wheelchair to slide in.
“Eh? Of course, we just need to fold it and go through! Did you think my creation wouldn’t have that function, Mika-chan? That would hurt my pride a bit, you know?”
And it turns out, that concern was completely unnecessary.
So, let’s go back to the first problem: can the immobile Himari actually use the ladder? This is something I can probably handle on my end… when it comes to going down, that is.
Coming back up with Himari? Honestly, I have no clue. It looks like it’s going to be a real struggle on my part.
Even if there are hundreds of automatons down there, it would probably be easier to tackle that side than to take a stroll through the sewage system.
The second issue is that if any part of the sewage has collapsed, it would completely block our way…
“I checked with the drone that there are no obstacles in the path.”
“Ahahaha, I see…”
“Why do you sound so surprised?”
“I can’t help but be suspicious of Himari-chan’s intention to make us go through the sewage! At this point, can we just call you a sewer enthusiast?”
“…The depths of the submerged zone have not been scouted by drone. Let’s just say there’s an unknown danger lurking. In that light, it’s the most rational choice to conserve Mika-chan’s energy for emergencies.”
“…”
“Hey, Mika-chan! Why have you been looking at me weirdly? This totally comes off as anti-intellectual, you know? Can you stop that?”
After nodding vigorously to Himari’s continuous chatter, I approached the manhole and lifted the cracked lid with a clunk.
It seems like hoisting Himari on my back should work out just fine. If I wrap her with a blanket like a baby…
Oh wait, that’s going to be uncomfortable because of my wings. They sure are pretty to look at but utterly impractical.
However, as soon as I saw the ladder, I figured it was indeed possible to get in and out with Himari. Even if it meant more struggling on my part.
Other worries? The cleanliness of the sewage system, perhaps? But let’s be real; if the hygiene in there was terrible, Himari wouldn’t even suggest coming here in the first place.
And logically speaking, a deserted sewage system probably has less filth than a regular one, right?
“Himari-chan, I’ll go down first carrying this, so can you just sit tight and wait?”
“I’ll just wait right here. If something happens, I can always follow after you.”
“…Alright, as long as you’re comfortable. But can you really stand for that long?”
“As long as it’s for a bit.”
“…Then why not lay down a blanket and sit?”
“Yes…”
Honestly, if I were Himari, I’d just whip up an Iron Man suit. I mean, I totally have the talent for it, right?
Even if she can walk, having limited mobility must make everyday life incredibly tough to imagine. It sure sounds exhausting without someone looking after you.
I genuinely hope that our self-proclaimed genius sickly girl, whose arrogance can be off-putting, meets a good person someday.
“Hey, Mika-chan? Why are you looking at me with such wistful eyes?”
I silently snatched the blanket from Himari and laid it on the weedy ground that seemed least dirty. Then, I lifted her up.
“Okay, let’s…! Mika-chan, I can do it by myself!”
“I know you can, but isn’t it better to conserve your energy for any potential emergencies? It would make me feel a bit more at ease too.”
“Well, that’s true. I can’t argue with that… rationally, yes. Rationally…”
Saying so, Himari finally stopped wriggling in my arms. I couldn’t help but think that her refusal to cling to me again proved why she shouldn’t be on-site…
But if she insists on coming, I just have to deal with the extra heartache, don’t I?
As for whether it’s safer with the teacher or Amy? Honestly, I’m not sure either…
Wait a minute. I definitely promised the teacher I’d offload the full war on her.
So why am I personally snooping around for information on Decagramaton here…?
“Hey, Mika-chan.”
Well, I totally remember the grand total warfare she pulled off while I was lying around.
But doesn’t the teacher deserve to handle the upcoming onslaught of Decagramaton prophecies? Once this is over, I should definitely pull her into the Supernatural Special Forces.
“Mika-chan…”
Since she’s the adult, sure.
I’d be genuinely grateful if she dedicated herself to help the children of this new nation.
I’ve had my share of hardships already; it’s her turn now!
“Hey, you can let me down now…?”
“Ah. Himari-chan, saying that makes me sad. Do you really dislike me that much?”
“No, not at all… but even I find this situation a bit embarrassing. Giving control of my body to someone I barely know? Especially if that someone is Kivotos’s biggest pervert and rascal…”
“…That’s too much. I think your evaluation of me is a bit too harsh.”
“Eeep!”
In a fit of mischief, I let Himari drop onto the blanket and approached her wheelchair. Following her instructions, the strange thing began to fold itself into a larger disc-like shape…
Wait. How does it even fold like this?
“Heh. Millennium’s technology is the best in Kivotos. By the way, we’re researching low-altitude flight right now. Once we refine this, you might see me gracefully soaring through the skies later!”
“…Low-altitude flight, huh?”
“Yeah, that’s just what we’re aiming for.”
Akeboshi Himari, you’re planning to showcase wheelchair drifts even in mid-air…?
With the sizable disc-shaped wheelchair held tight, I stepped towards the manhole, my resolve solidified as I dropped inside.
“…Mika-chan?!”
I could hear Himari’s startled voice from above, but… come on, did she really expect me to just leisurely climb the ladder with this thing?
As soon as I landed in the sewage, I glanced around and saw that it was cleaner than I had anticipated.
Well, when I say clean, I mean there’s no filthy water covering the floor. Thank goodness it doesn’t stink too badly.
After unfolding the wheelchair back inside the sewage, I climbed up the ladder and as I emerged, an intriguing sight greeted me.
It was Himari, gazing at me with trembling eyes.
“…No way?”
“What do you mean?”
“Please tell me it’s not what I think.”
“Uh, what are you even talking about?”
As I walked closer to her while flashing a grin, I could see her complexion turn pale in real time.
“I know exactly what you’re talking about… Eek! No! Don’t touch me! I wanna go back!”
“Really?”
“….”
Himari, trying to defy her fate, finally drooped her head in silence.
If she’s willing to retract her insistence of coming here for this, she wouldn’t have ventured out in the first place.
“Good call☆”
Finally accepting defeat, she reached for me. To anyone watching, it could look like a poor sheep voluntarily offering itself to a wolf, but I assure you, I’m no wolf.
If it’s a bite from an angel, call it a fair exchange, Himari.
Scooping her up and grabbing the blanket, I stepped towards the jaws of the devil.
As she trembled like a death row inmate awaiting her execution, Himari screamed,
“AAAAH…!”
Well, that was that.
*
How long have we been walking through the sewage? If I feel a tinge of jealousy towards Himari comfortably sitting in the wheelchair, am I just a hopeless case?
At some point, I started noticing sporadic puddles on the sewage floor, and they were getting larger the further we went.
Before long, when the puddles filled nearly the entire area, Himari suggested it was time to head back to the surface.
“If we go any further, it’s probably going to be swimming all around! That’s why me and Rion named this area the Submerged Zone; it’s literally submerged!”
“Heueng… Okay, let’s get out then. Perfect, I see a ladder over there!”
First, I climbed the ladder and removed the top cover to prepare for our exit.
“Hop on, Himari-chan.”
“…Okay.”
Surprisingly, Himari complied without protest. Once I had her on my back, I wrapped the blanket around her lower body to secure her as much as possible.
When I carried her earlier, I could hardly believe how light she was. Is it even okay for a person to be this light?
“Wow, you’re so light… You really need to eat better.”
“That’s rude, Mika-chan. I’m currently the one and only sickly beauty of Millennium, in my perfect state! I exude a charm that’s precarious, like flowers teetering on the brink of a cliff—so I’m fine just the way I am!”
“Ahahaha. Is that so?”
“Yes, it is.”
“I have no idea what that’s like, being in tip-top shape☆”
“Well, it’s a good thing for you. We wouldn’t want overlapping positions in the Beautiful Girl Alliance, would we?”
Chatting away, we finally managed to escape the gloomy sewage.
And then,
Thud-thud-thud-thud!!!
We were greeted with quite the enthusiastic welcome.
That was definitely an expected welcome.
