Worthless Skill Escape (WN)

Chapter 217

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TL: ALT

Chapter 217 – Fetal Movement

“All right, ladies and gentlemen. I said earlier that I am ready to solve all the problems facing this country.”

Tozaki, who had just finished drinking his water, said this with a slightly more relaxed air.

He extended one hand to the side of the stage and said,

“First of all, let me introduce… please step forward, Princess Halkafia.”

The press conference room went wild.

The elf beauty appeared from the side of the stage and stood next to the podium where Tōzaki was standing.

“What…!”

“No way…!”

Serika and I froze.

It was Haruka-san, whom I knew well.

Although she was always sickly, Haruka-san looked good in color, but her eyes were expressionless.

She wasn’t wearing her usual shrine maiden outfit but an explorer’s item that made her look like an elf.

Why is Haruka-san there?

“You may find this hard to believe, but she is a guest from another world. She is an elf who came to this world through a gate that appeared in a collapsed dungeon. The government has just taken her into protective custody after she lived in hiding in this world.”

“P-protective custody…”

Then, I received a call on my smartphone.

The caller was Honoka-chan.

“Honoka-chan!”

I answered the call and turned on the speaker.

“Yuto-san! I finally managed to call you…! M-my mother, my mother…”

“Calm down, Honoka-chan. What exactly happened?”

“T-today, some men claiming to be from the Immigration Bureau suddenly came to the shrine and took my mother away!”

“The Immigration Bureau…?!”

According to the law, Haruka-san would be an illegal resident.

But at this time?

“Is Honoka-chan okay?”

“I was taken to a children’s counseling center too, and I couldn’t get in touch with the outside world… I finally saw an opportunity to get my smartphone back, so I escaped from the counseling center and am calling from outside.”

Honoka-chan’s situation is much worse than I imagined.

They took Haruka-san to the immigration office and Honoka-chan, a minor, to the child counseling center.

Did they take Honoka-chan’s smartphone so she couldn’t contact me?

“Serika! I’m going to check on Honoka-chan!”

“W-well, I understand, but what are you going to do after that?”

“Th-That’s…”

I think there was a news story about a foreigner who was in Japan illegally who was separated from his child and taken into custody, and then there was a court case.

A lawyer who was commenting on the story explained that it is common practice internationally not to separate families when detaining illegal immigrants.

He explained it that way, which means that things in Japan don’t follow “common sense” worldwide.

Haruka-san was detained in an immigration facility, and Honoka-chan was “protected” by the child counseling center.

There is nothing wrong with the child counseling center protecting a minor who has no relatives.

Even if I met Honoka-chan now and gave her a place to live, I’m pretty sure that would be considered “protection.”

If they use the law to force me to turn her over to the child counseling center, I won’t be able to disobey them.

“Even so…how can I just leave her there?”

I asked as I was about to leave,

“We will arrange for a lawyer who is familiar with the issue of illegal residency as soon as possible. In the meantime, please hide so that no one can find you. It would also be bad if you were seen with an underage girl.”

“I understand, thank you, Haitani-san!”

* * *

Tozaki’s speech continues.

I follow Tozaki’s speech on the video-sharing site while communicating with Honoka-chan.

“I think you understand now that there are other worlds.”

“The recent collapse of the Dungeon was a crisis for our country. As you all know, the United States, China, and Russia conspired to fire nuclear weapons at our country.”

“However, as a result of the collapse of the dungeon, our country also received a precious blessing. The collapse of the dungeon was stopped by the summoner I mentioned earlier, the Black Tengu. However, the deepest part of the Okutama Lake Dungeon, which collapsed once, is still in a state of instability. There is no danger, but if some kind of stimulus occurs, it is in a state where it can open a ‘hole’ again.”

…The hole wasn’t completely sealed, was it?

Or was it because the power of the gods was weakened?

“With the help of His Highness Prince Hayato Harukawamiya, who is ranked first in the national rankings, we were able to repair the corridor leading to another world in the deepest part of the Okutama Lake Dungeon.”

Is the first-ranked leveler a member of the Imperial Family?

But how?

“Using this corridor, we went to the site and made contact with the Elven King Clovis. We established a cooperative relationship with him.”

That’s not right chronologically.

Tozaki must have contacted Clovis before the dungeon collapsed.

Or rather, since Clovis was the main culprit in the dungeon’s collapse, it’s contradictory to say that he made contact with Clovis “on the scene” afterward.

You can’t contact a dead person.

“From Japan to the other world, we will send Japan’s excellent science and technology and its products. From the other world to Japan, people will come. We have decided to establish a mutually beneficial relationship where we exchange what we lack.”

At this point, the Yamanote Line, which has short intervals between stations, stops at the next station.

The people waiting on the platform, staring at their smartphones, board the train without looking back.

The smartphone fell from one of their hands.

The passenger who found the smartphone lying nearby didn’t even look at the other person’s smartphone but was glued to his own.

“As a general rule, people from other worlds who come to Japan will become party members of Japanese explorers. Japanese youths will take on the role of leading them.”

So they’re adding people from other worlds as members of parties led by the Japanese.

The advertisement in the weekly magazine hanging on the train boldly displayed the words “Acceptance of Humiliating Nuclear Attacks.”

At the edge of the page, I could just make out the small headline, “Have the conditions for foreign technical trainees [slave labor] improved?”

“You may ask what the difference is between them and the workers from overseas before. But there is a big difference.”

And Tozaki took something that looked like a heavy collar from behind the podium.

It looked familiar to me.

“This is an item called Freedom Contract Collar.”

The item that Yamato tricked the Men’s Association explorers into equipping.

I thought they had prepared quite a few, but it seems there were more than I imagined.

“We have already obtained the cooperation of Clovis, the Elf King of another world, and have built a factory there. We are mass producing this item by hiring elven mages and dwarven craftsmen.”

“Mass produce the item…?”

First of all, dungeon items can only be made in dungeons.

No matter how advanced Japanese technology is, it is impossible to produce items that have effects that have nothing to do with their physical properties.

I’ve heard that it’s impossible to copy them, let alone modify them.

But more importantly, what is the meaning of Tozaki bringing this collar here?

“The foreigner who wears this collar will not be able to break the contract he made with his employer. If the contract includes a clause that they must obey Japanese law, then there is no danger that they will disrupt public order. There is absolutely no chance that they will rebel.”

If the effect of the collar is as I have previously estimated, then this is probably true.

“We are introducing Japan’s advanced technology to the local factory. Right now, they are just making the collars, but eventually we plan to develop and sell products tailored to the local situation using next-generation technology that combines magic and science. We have already received informal cooperation from these companies.”

The logos of the companies lined up on the screen in the press conference room.

They were all logos of famous companies that everyone knew.

I could tell that the journalists in the press conference room were murmuring.

“The construction of this factory will create jobs in the local area, solve various social problems in the area, and promote economic development. Although this is a world where magic is advanced, science and technology are less developed than in this world. In addition, Japan has many years of valuable experience in contributing to the development of developing countries in this world. Japan’s cooperation is also very welcome in the local area.”

“Oh,” said one of the passengers.

“I think the reason why Japan has been stubbornly refusing to accept immigrants so far is because it is reluctant to accept foreigners with different cultures, religions, and education… It’s somehow scary to accept ‘outsiders’ who might disturb the peace and order of this country. This is the unvarnished truth of the Japanese people’s aversion to immigration.”

I remember hearing that accepting immigrants does not necessarily lead to an increase in crime.

But it is still true that the Japanese people are very sensitive to the word “immigrant.”

That is why successive governments have avoided using the word “immigrant.”

At the same time, they have accepted workers in practice, but with deceptive-sounding titles and strict restrictions.

It is well known that they are forced to work in extremely poor conditions and for wages well below the minimum wage.

Some people couldn’t stand the harsh conditions and ran away, while others turned to crime.

I believe there was even one person who killed his employer and then committed suicide.

“However, the people from other worlds that we will accept this time will be required to wear Freedom Contract Collars. They will not be able to disobey their Japanese employers. They will not run away, nor will they commit crimes. On the contrary, they will gladly accept your orders. The Freedom Contract Collars have a clause built in that says they must respect their employers and love the culture of this country.”

I heard a voice on the train say, “Whoa, whoa…”

I don’t know what that “whoa, whoa” means.

Is it “whoa, whoa, that’s not a good idea, is it?” or “whoa, whoa, that’s a good idea”?

Judging by the tone of the excitement, it’s probably the latter.

“I’d like to ask all you explorers out there: wouldn’t you like to party with a beautiful and intelligent elf, or a lovely and compassionate female beastman? Wouldn’t you like to explore dungeons with an intelligent and compassionate dark elf, or a strong and rugged male beastman, or an eternally young and handsome dwarf boy? Don’t worry. We and they have a win-win relationship.”

“Elves?” “Does that mean the beautiful woman on the screen is also an elf?” “A considerate man…” “Shota dwarves… Mmm…”

Such voices could be heard from several groups of people looking at their smartphones.

They were voices that I couldn’t hear, but I had Enhanced Hearing after all.

“In my plan, I plan to invite three otherworldly workers to this country for every person in the working population.”

How many people is the working population?

If it’s half the total population, it’s about 60 million, right?

If that’s the case, then the number of otherworldly workers is… 180 million?

“And within five years, I want to increase the total population of Japan, including immigrants from other worlds, to 300 million. Japan will overtake Russia, Brazil, Indonesia, etc. to become the fourth most populous country in the world. Furthermore, in ten years, I want to increase the total population to over 450 million. Japan will overtake the United States in population and become the third most populous country in the world after India and China.”

What a ridiculous prediction…

But the atmosphere in the train car is getting more and more exciting.

In the future, Japan’s population will decline as the birthrate falls and the population ages.

Japan will shrink, and the welfare of the elderly, who are living longer, will overwhelm the young.

Today’s young people have accepted such a bleak forecast with resignation since they were children.

For them (and I include myself in this age group), politicians who talk about “increasing Japan’s population” and “aiming to have the world’s third-largest population” are a breath of fresh air.

“I’ve always said that the Japanese need to learn how to use people.”

Tozaki lowers his tone and changes the subject slightly.

“The number of young Japanese is limited. In order to maintain the country’s overall labor force, we need young people to become leaders.”

When he said the word “leaders,” some of the passengers looked excited, while others looked worried.

“In Japan today, there are people who have already taken the best seats. They are the ‘old generation’ who don’t adapt to the times, don’t improve their skills, and just focus all their energy on protecting their own ‘seats. Even after they reach retirement age, they cling to their titles and make all kinds of excuses, and they have no desire to give way to the younger generation or to train the younger generation themselves. In fact, they probably don’t even have the ability to train the younger generation. In such an environment, it is difficult for young people to acquire leadership skills. I can understand the young people’s fears very well.”

Tozaki deftly addresses the group of people who are put off by the word “leader.”

“In the end, leadership is something you have to learn for yourself. That’s why it’s necessary to turn young people into leaders. If young Japanese people can learn to use many different kinds of people, then the pensions of the elderly will be secure. We can also provide generous social welfare for poor households and households receiving public assistance.”

Even the people who were just complaining about the “problems of the elderly” can be silenced by dangling the carrot of a pension.

“I’ll teach you how to use people. I think I have something to say about using people.”

As you’d expect, this drew some snickers.

But I was the only one snickering on the train.

“Of course, if there is mutual consent, it would be good to have a marriage partner. If it’s a mixed race with a beautiful elf or beastman, wouldn’t it be easier for the pure-blooded Japanese to accept it?”

Even words that would make the Women’s Association furious slip into the gaps of people’s consciousness.

“As society develops and education becomes more advanced, the population growth rate decreases. As women become more educated, they will naturally expect more from their male partners. On the other hand, men who have monopolized high-paying jobs will be forced out of their positions and will no longer be able to meet women’s ideals. Neither is to blame. It just means that society has developed to a high level. We should be proud of it. And then we have no choice but to look for realistic solutions.”

On the shaking train, people stare at their smartphones with bated breath.

Is it the train that is swaying or the people?

“In this day and age, when the Internet is so widespread, there is no end to the pursuit of ideals in the opposite sex.

In most cases, the opposite sex you can realistically marry will not be the opposite sex you idealize.

Have you ever sighed when you see actors and actresses in movies or dramas?

Have you ever looked at your partner in the bedroom and thought that they were not as good-looking as you would like them to be?

When choosing a partner, you will always have to make compromises.

But what do you get out of your marriage when you compromise?

Men can no longer expect women to take care of them as they once did. They can also not expect to feel superior as the head of the household, giving orders to their wives and children.

Women can no longer expect men to provide a stable income to support the family as they once did, and they cannot expect to live a luxurious lifestyle while their husbands rise in the world.

They can’t have their own house and car like they used to, and they can’t give their children the kind of education they used to. The investment needed to give their children a good job in the future is getting bigger and bigger. On top of that, they’re being told to invest in their own retirement.

It’s irresponsible to tell them to get married.

I think there are good reasons why young people don’t get married.

There was a male passenger who nodded vigorously with tears in his eyes.

He was a businessman in his thirties with a plain face.

There were also a couple of men and women in suits who held on to the straps and whispered to each other, “I make enough, don’t I?” “But I don’t do any housework.”

The man in work clothes, sitting directly across from the couple, glared at them with disgust and let out a click of his tongue.

“I’m sick of this world―I’m sure a lot of people feel the same way. That’s why I’m going to bring in enough of the ideal opposite sex from other worlds. Men and women will no longer have to compromise when it comes to marriage partners. Attractive elves and dark elves who never age. Adorable or strong beastmen. I’ll bring you a partner who will respect you and serve you wholeheartedly. You only live once, so what’s wrong with finding your ideal partner? The Japanese have too little greed. Without greed, the economy doesn’t work. And of all the kinds of greed, the power of the three great desires―especially sexual desire―is immense. This is not a vulgar story. It’s a story about the nation. We don’t have enough children. To increase the number of children, we must stimulate the sexual desire of young men and women. Children are not born by logic or calculation.”

“Are you serious?” “I’m going to back off…” “But I understand.” “Elves are supposed to be good-looking, right?” “That’s so creepy; it’s just the envy of the unpopular.” “Shh, they might hear us!” “Elf bride crew?” “Hey, hey, isn’t Japan going crazy?”

“Men and women no longer prioritize the attractiveness of the opposite sex as much as they used to. Words like ‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’ have become obsolete. But I don’t deny that. It’s a legitimate development. Everyone can live freely without worrying about their gender. It’s wonderful. The problem is that the more people evolve, the more primitive desires disappear. Is it possible to have sexual desires in a completely politically correct way? Whether you’re a man or a woman, sexuality involves a certain amount of inappropriate, secret urges that you’re embarrassed to talk about. If you go against your instincts, the number of children you have will decrease. Isn’t that simple?”

People’s whispers, murmurs, excited voices, groans, cries, strange noises, etc., are mixed together and turned into noise by Enhanced Hearing.

Tozaki took a deep breath and spoke those lines again.

“In this crazy modern age, the population is the biggest and only problem. I can’t understand why people and politicians neglect this problem. No matter how advanced AI becomes, it is impossible for AI to explore dungeons. The Voice of Heaven does not recognize AI as explorers. Explorers must be human. Therefore, the absolute number of explorers is directly related to a country’s national power, economic power, and even military power. If the number of people decreases, that country will be finished. Why was such a simple thing overlooked?”

Suddenly, the Tozaki on the screen shows his upper arms and shakes.

“I still feel a sense of fear. Something as incomprehensible as a dungeon suddenly appearing all over the world… And yet no one questioned it, and it was accepted as a new part of everyday life. Sometimes I can’t help but think that this is all a dream, or that I’ve lost my mind.”

It was exactly the same feeling I had.

So… Tozaki is the same as me.

Tozaki knows that this world has gone ‘crazy’!

“But that’s also why I understand something. The world is different before and after the dungeon. The rules of the world have been completely overturned. Yet the old systems created before the Dungeon remain untouched, simply because they are common knowledge. However, the inertia of the old systems will be lost as time passes after the Dungeon. In the next few years, the systems of every country on Earth will change. And the country that establishes the new system before the others will become the hegemonic nation of the new world.”

Tozaki clenches his right fist under his left cheek.

He opens his fist and swings his right arm outward.

“Breaking away from the old system! That is what we must do now! There is no guarantee that the hegemonic nation of the new world will be America! America has few dungeon resources! Depending on where the hegemony goes, our country will be in danger of extinction! If we don’t do anything, we may end up as a vassal state of a neighboring country! We must act before that happens! We need dungeons for that, gates for that, immigrants for that, and explorers for that!”

Tozaki is now clenching his left fist.

“Arise, Japanese people! Do not continue to sleep in peace! Do not neglect those who do not understand you! The relationship between those who do not understand each other is either domination or subjugation! If you do not want to be dominated by others, dominate others first! Use people! Control people! Release your desires and seize them with all your might without shame! Politics, economy, business, society, schools, even families! The essence of everything is a struggle for power! Fight, Japanese people! Your struggles will create vitality in society and transform our future into something bright!”

And then the last words were spoken.

“I hereby declare a change of strategy for the Japanese people! “Obey me,” “Power is everything,” “Do not choose your means of survival,” and “Squeeze every last drop from the fruit you have grasped!”

I heard an announcement that the train was arriving at the station.

I hurriedly got off the train because I almost missed my stop.

Every single passenger on the platform was looking at their smartphones.

There was no sign of them getting on the train that had arrived at the platform.

They were just staring at their smartphones as if possessed.

Some were silently holding back tears.

Some were flushed with excitement.

Some were shaking violently.

Someone on the platform let out a scream.

Uoohhhhhh!!!

As if that had been the catalyst, screams could be heard here and there on the platform and in the train.

The sound pressure made the plastic signs on the platform shake, and the Yamanote Line train cars parked next to the platform swayed.

Even when the scheduled time came, the Yamanote Line did not start moving.

There was no announcement from the station staff.

The electronic voice guidance system on the train kept repeating the departure announcement as if it were confused.

For more than ten minutes, everything, including me, continued to sway.

I thought it was a birth sign.

The reality that I thought was certain was being destroyed from the bottom up.

And using the hole in the ground as a birth canal, a new grotesque reality is trying to crawl out onto the ground to give birth to a strange new life…

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