Chapter 9: The Red Moon

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Two weeks passed while living unchanging days.

As always, training with Master is tough, but training myself is fun.

Regarding the invitation from the principal to the “Goddess Island Study Session,” I consulted Mom, and without a moment’s hesitation, she replied, “Do as you wish, Hinata.”

I also talked it over with the three other members, and they all said they’d go along with me.

I haven’t agreed yet, but I want to think about it positively.

Today, after finishing training and about to leave the training grounds, a red light streamed in through the window.

“A red light from outside……?”

A bit curious, I stepped outside and looked up at the sky.

Then, the yellow moon that should have been shining above had taken on a reddish hue.

“Huh? Why is the moon red……?”

“A lunar eclipse…… maybe?”

It resembles the phenomenon of a total lunar eclipse where the moon turns red—but it feels different.

“But lunar eclipses happen about once every six months, and a total lunar eclipse is even rarer…… Last time was, I think……”

“Three months ago, wasn’t it?”

“Master.”

“Hmm. I’ve got a bad feeling about this. This isn’t just some ordinary matter.”

Master stared intently at the red moon floating in the sky.

The yellow moon that always lights up the dark night is, for people, an important source of light.

When that moon takes on a red hue, it’s as if the world itself is dyed red. Combined with the darkness, the eeriness stands out even more.

“Today’s training ends here.”

After training, I cast the “Clean” skill on everyone, and we gathered in the tea room.

With the red moon situation, we turned on the TV to watch the news.

The news was airing an emergency broadcast featuring the red moon, with the announcer speaking in a flustered voice.

“The moon has turned red! The last total lunar eclipse was three months ago, and the next predicted cycle was three years from now—but! We’ve just received an announcement from the government stating this is not a lunar eclipse! What could be the cause? Investigations will proceed, so let’s await further updates!”

“Master, has the moon ever suddenly turned red like this before?”

“No, never. There’s probably nothing like this in the records either.”

If Master says it’s never happened, then it must be true, and it makes sense why the news is in a panic.

“Hinata, we’re heading out tonight.”

“Y-Yes.”

“Then I’m fine with skipping my escort today!”

“Oh, in that case, I’ll escort Shino-san. I can’t let a girl go home alone.”

“Hehe, thanks~”

“Hiroto, thank you. Take care of Shino.”

“Leave it to me.”

With the unsettling news and the moon’s color, dinner passed quietly, and I headed out with Master.

We got into a luxury car and drove down the night highway.

I was reminded once again of the incredible influence of the Kamui family, who naturally had a personal driver.

The car entered the city center and pulled into a massive building.

I thought we’d stop deep in the parking lot, but instead, we drove straight into an elevator—car and all.

I thought this kind of thing only happened in movies or stories…… but it exists in reality too……

The elevator carrying the car ascended higher and higher. Through the car’s windows, I could see the cityscape spreading out below.

Eventually, we reached near the top floor, and when the doors opened, another parking lot stretched out before us.

It was smaller than the underground one, but several luxury cars were lined up.

Like the others, our driver stayed in the driver’s seat, waiting.

I followed Master out of the car and walked deeper inside.

On the hallway walls was a large red circle with the word “Kamui” written inside.

This was the mark of Kamui Company, the Kamui family’s corporation, seen in various places.

The doors and walls ahead looked incredibly sturdy, and a heavy surveillance camera stood in front of the door, clearly monitoring us.

As we stood before the door, there was a brief silence before a deep rumble sounded, and the thick doors slid open to either side. It was very similar to the door to Shino’s room.

Inside was a single, vast room.

Rows of what seemed to be computers lined the space, with numerous people—likely employees—working at them. At the far end, Hina’s uncle stood with his arms crossed, staring at a giant monitor mounted on the wall.

“Akira, how’s it looking?”

“Father. Hinata-kun, you’re here too.”

I gave a slight bow.

“It’s not looking good. From the footage measuring the moon, we’ve confirmed it’s not a lunar eclipse—the moon itself has turned red, so it’s definitely abnormal…… but we can’t find the cause. The only saving grace is that no disasters have struck anywhere in the world yet. Surprisingly, the oceans worldwide are calm.”

The reason Uncle was concerned about the sea was that the moon’s gravity affects tides. The biggest fear was that the red moon might cause abnormal tides.

I gazed at the giant monitor on the wall.

It seemed to display surveillance cameras from various locations across the country, labeled with things like “XX Branch Camera.” Realizing all these places were Kamui Company buildings made me think this corporation was far beyond what I’d imagined.

“Hm? Hinata, why are you shrinking back?”

“M-Master…… this is my first time in a place like a secret base……”

“A secret base, huh! Gahaha!”

At Master’s laughter, the people around us glanced over and softened their expressions.

“In a way, you could say that. Hinata-kun, do you know what kind of company Kamui Company is?”

“Uh, Japan’s top corporation for developing buildings and magical tools…… right?”

Even with my vague answer, Uncle nodded enthusiastically, “Mm-hm.”

“That’s one of Kamui Company’s businesses. But what we prioritize most…… is saving lives.”

“Saving…… lives?”

“Yes. Originally, the Kamui family was entrusted with Japan’s safety by the nation itself. Over many years, we were given materials from dungeons, and developing those became part of our business, growing us into what we are…… but our primary goal is to protect people during disasters………… and wars.”

I thought I understood the weight of the word “disaster.”

I hadn’t seen one with my own eyes—just read about them in books—but C3’s Irregular was a disaster in itself.

And then, after a slight pause, the word “war” came up—a word with even more impact.

In my lifetime, Japan has never experienced a war.

There might have been some that didn’t make it to the surface, but outside of dungeons, it’s been nothing but peace.

Even when natural disasters struck, Japan had the Self-Defense Forces rushing in, using reserves for quick recovery…… I’ve never seen anyone complain, at least.

Yet this place felt so tense, as if war could break out tomorrow, and the monitors showing all of Japan added to that feeling.

There was even a display showing constant coordination with the Japan Defense Force.

Maybe, without me knowing, we’ve been protected by the adults all along.

“Hinata-kun, look at that monitor.”

What Uncle pointed to showed—

“Wha……!? R-Robots!?”

“Yes. It’s top secret, but right now, humanoid combat robots like that are being developed worldwide. Representing Japan, Kamui Company is leading that development—to prepare for an unseen great disaster.”

“A great disaster……”

“The red moon. It’s unprecedented, unpredictable, and we don’t know who caused it or if the Goddess is involved. We’ve judged ourselves to be in a dangerous situation and have all forces ready to mobilize at any moment.”

Even though it hadn’t been three hours since the red moon appeared, their swift response must come from constantly anticipating a major disaster……

“Now, do you understand why I brought you here, lad?”

“N-No……”

“Hinata, you are the only one in Japan—no, the world—who can handle ‘Absolute Ice.’”

“‘Absolute Ice’……? That’s something only Hina—”

“For now, yes. But if this moon’s change causes Absolute Ice icicles to rain down on the world, none of us can deal with it. When that happens, Hinata, we’ll rely on you. I won’t force you, but since you’ve become my disciple, become someone who saves people. Got it?”

“……Yes! If there’s anything I can do, just tell me!”

“Then marry my granddaughter.”

“Whaaat!? Th-That’s……”

“Father, this isn’t the time for jokes……”

“Hah! It’s no joke! —I’ve seen it time and again. Love is humanity’s greatest weapon.”

“Father……”

“Master, the world hasn’t ended yet.”

“Hm? Gahaha! You’ve gotten bold!”

Master jumped lightly and slapped my back hard, a loud BAM echoing through the room.

“O-Ow……”

At that moment, a beep-beep-beep sounded in the room.

“Commander! A call from Marshal Sumeragi!”

“Mm. Connect it.”

From the desk where Uncle sat, I heard Marshal Sumeragi’s voice—someone I’d met before.

“Good work. After discussions with other nations, we’ve measured the world and found no abnormalities, so we’ve decided to stand by and observe.”

“Understood. We’ll lift the emergency status here as well.”

“Good. Report immediately if anything suspicious is found. We’ll contact you if we get any leads.”

“Yes.”

The brief, businesslike call ended in less than a minute.

“Alright! Kamui Company’s emergency status is lifted! However, continue measurements—set up a monitoring team immediately and keep constant watch!”

“““Yes, sir!”“”

Even from behind, I could tell everyone was moving quickly.

The giant monitor now showed the red moon floating in the sky instead of all of Japan.

Unlike seeing it with the naked eye, the magnified red moon felt unsettlingly eerie.

“It’d be best if nothing happens…… I truly hope nothing does……”

Master’s profile, usually full of jest, showed a deep compassion for people’s peace.

Kamui Company. The Kamui family. I hadn’t known it, but Hina’s family was…… far more incredible than I’d realized, and being involved with them made me feel just a little…… happy.

I’ll cooperate however I can.

On the way back, Uncle came with us.

Since it was late, they dropped me off at the dorm, and I saw Master and Uncle off.

“Welcome back.”

“Wah!? P-Principal……?”

“Was that the Kamui family just now?”

“Y-Yes. Hina’s dad and grandpa.”

“Akira-kun, huh. Nostalgic. And…… to think Jizou was with them too.”

“You know Master too?”

“Mas…… ter?”

The principal looked up at me with a surprised expression.

“Yes. I’ve become a disciple of Hina’s grandpa…… though he still calls me a ‘useless disciple,’ and I’m not very disciple-like yet…… hahaha……”

“……I see. That man took a disciple. And Level 0-kun, no less…… Well, fine. More importantly, come to my room.”

“Y-Yes.”

I headed to the principal’s room for the second time.

As soon as I entered, the fragrant aroma of black tea filled the air.

“I prepared the tea already. It might’ve cooled a bit.”

“Th-Thank you.”

Bathed in the red light streaming through the window, the deep red tea—so dark I couldn’t see the bottom—seemed even redder.

The unchanged, delicious tea spread through my mouth.

“Hinata-kun.”

“Yes.”

“Did you see the red moon?”

“Y-Yes. It’s hard to miss, floating up there.”

“Hehe, true enough. Did you feel anything?”

“Feel something……? No, nothing……”

“I see.”

Holding her tea, the principal looked out the window at the red moon and said that.

“Principal…… do you know what that moon really is?”

“Hm……? Why do you think that?”

“Uh? N-No…… I don’t have a reason………… It’s just, you seem to like red things, so I thought you might know something about the red moon.”

“I like red things…… huh. That might be true. But sadly, I don’t know what that red moon is.”

What…… it is?

“But there’s one thing I’m certain of.”

“Something certain?”

She turned slowly, grinning as she spoke.

“That thing—is undoubtedly an enemy.”

“An enemy!?”

“It might not cause harm now, but eventually…… it’ll attack. Despair will. When that happens, Hinata-kun, what will you do?”

“Principal……? If that’s true, then the Kamui family—”

“No use. The Kamui family can’t handle it. Nor can I. Everyone can only wait. But oddly, I felt compelled to tell you this alone. Just a whim.”

Unlike her usual self, her slightly excited tone was like someone drunk, but there’d been no hint or smell of alcohol when we came together earlier. And strangely, her words felt believable.

“Hehe.”

The principal set her tea on the windowsill, turned to me, and smiled.

“Hinata-kun—it’s a joke, okay?”

“Eh!?”

“Hehe. Even I can’t know about a phenomenon happening for the first time, right? A moon turning red—I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

“Haha…… I got fooled.”

“Hinata-kun, is the Kamui family kind?”

“Yes.”

“……And does the Kamui Company seem like a good corporation these days?”

“I don’t know the details, but I think it’s an amazing company.”

“Hmm. But where there’s light, there’s always darkness. Don’t forget that.”

“Eh……? You mean the Kamui family has……?”

“See with your own eyes and judge for yourself. At the very least—be wary of Kamui Jizou. Trust him too much, and you’ll get hurt.”

“Master……?”

She was surprised earlier when I mentioned Master too……

“But weren’t you acquainted with Auntie too, Sensei……?”

“Erina-chan, you mean? Yes, we were very close. She wasn’t originally from the Kamui family, after all.”

“True…… Auntie married into it.”

“Yes, nostalgic times. Lately, I’ve been so happy eating her home cooking again.”

“Auntie was happy about it too.”

“Hearing that alone makes me glad. Now, it’s late, so go back and rest.”

“Yes. Thanks for the tea today too.”

I bowed and left the principal’s room to return to the dorm.

Recalling how she said it was a joke, I mulled over her words about light always having darkness.

Just like how I, a Level 0, am with my shining little sister……

As I walked, the faintly red moon continued to illuminate the world.

A few days later.

“It really has gotten redder, hasn’t it?”

After finishing training at the Kamui house today and leaving the training grounds, Shino murmured while looking up at the sky.

As Shino said, since the red moon appeared, it’s grown steadily—yet surely—redder each day, shifting from orange to a blazing true red now.

“It’s kind of creepy……”

“Yeah. It’s a pretty red, but the way it dyes everything around it red feels…… intense.”

Surprisingly, since that day, no disasters have struck anywhere in the world, nor have any Irregulars appeared in dungeons.

Depending on one’s perspective, it wouldn’t be strange to find it fantastical or beautiful, yet neither I nor anyone else can see the red moon as beautiful or mystical. It’s not just us—globally, everyone feels the same, which is odd.

Some say it’s like the revulsion people feel toward insects, and I kind of get that.

Just then, the smartphone in my pocket rang.

Brrring!

It’s usually on silent mode, but it can force a ring in emergencies. That means the only people who know my number and aren’t here are—Mom or Rin.

I hurriedly pulled it out, and it displayed “Mom.”

I’ve got…… a bad feeling about this.

“Hello?”

“Hinata!?”

“It’s me, Mom. What’s wrong?”

“W-Well, listen calmly, okay…………? R-Rin-chan, she……”

“Rin!? What happened to Rin!?”

“She came home, but at some point, she vanished from the house…… She was supposed to be studying in her room the whole time…… There’s no sign she left, and her shoes are still here……”

“!? What about Rin’s phone—”

“It’s still on her desk……”

My mind couldn’t keep up with Mom’s words, my head full of Rin, when suddenly I felt a slight chill on my cheeks—yet with a human warmth.

“Hi…… na?”

“Hinata-kun! Let’s head to your family home first, okay? You can think it over on the way.”

“To my family home…… Y-Yeah. Mom, I’m coming home right away. Stay calm and call the police.”

“G-Got it. I’ll call the police and Rin-chan’s friends right away!”

Mom’s panicked voice and Hina’s voice helped me calm down just a little.

Rin was studying in her room and disappeared without any sign of leaving…… It’s reasonable to assume she was abducted by someone.

At the very least, it’d have to be someone skilled enough at abducting that Mom, likely on the first floor, didn’t notice from Rin’s second-floor room.

Suddenly, the principal’s words about not trusting Master too much flashed through my mind.

“Master.”

“Mm.”

“Is there anyone who could abduct someone without anyone nearby noticing…… or even the target realizing?”

“Hmm…… It’s not impossible. There are groups skilled at that. But I doubt those groups would abduct your little sister.”

“Why…… can you say that for sure?”

“Because there’s no reason to abduct her. Even if they knew you could handle ‘Absolute Ice,’ there’s little use for it now, and Hina isn’t a major threat either. That leaves no clear motive…… but one thing did come to mind.”

“Something came to mind!?”

“I don’t think it’s directly related, but you know about Irregulars in dungeons, right, Hinata? Well, unlike powerful monsters appearing, there’s another type of Irregular where explorers vanish without a trace.”

Explorers…… vanishing? I’ve never heard of anything like that.

Normally, explorers who don’t return are registered as missing and declared dead after about a year—that’s one of the explorer rules.

“There’s no proof, mind you. Sometimes reports come up of a party member vanishing suddenly. Was it a dispute among them…… or did they act alone and get eaten by a monster……? But what’s consistent is that they disappear without a trace, unnoticed by anyone. The government calls it ‘Dungeon Spiriting.’ Hearing your phone call just now made me think of it for some reason.”

“But Rin wouldn’t be going into a dungeon……”

“True. It’s strange, but it doesn’t feel like a trivial matter. Let’s have them check if anyone else has disappeared too.”

“Th-Thank you…… M-Master.”

“What is it?”

“Uh…… I’m sorry for saying something suspicious earlier……”

“Those without composure often do that. It just shows you’re human too. More importantly, find your little sister as soon as possible.”

“Y-Yes!”

“Hinata-kun! We’ll look into things here too and let you know if we find anything!”

“Yeah! Thanks!”

I left the Kamui house immediately, using the skills “Absolute Stealth” and “Fool’s Mask,” and raced at full speed toward my hometown—Eran Town.