The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World

PART 7: LAND OF OWARI | Chapter 107

Sorry for the wait.

- ワイアード

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Chapter 107: Wall of Mist

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Nishitani Bar Staff Room

"Is it really... true? Us, of all people?"

"Yeah, sorry about that."

Nishitani, Nezu, and Kawaguchi were taken aback by what their superior officer, who had suddenly appeared at the bar, revealed to them in the staff room.

"Should I explain again? Originally, the entire special survey team was supposed to go, but three of the members got injured during training. That's how you three ended up being chosen."

"W-wait, so... to clarify, the three of us have been selected... for the Second World's survey team?"

"That's right."

Hijikata, looking down at the floor, hesitated slightly before answering.

"This mission, to be frank, comes with no guarantee of survival. It's a direct order, but if you lack the resolve..."

Hijikata was acutely aware of the kind of place they were headed—unpredictable, where anything could happen, including the possibility of casualties or complete annihilation. The guilt of leading his subordinates to such a dangerous place weighed heavily on him. He wasn't alone in feeling this; his superior, survey team leader Kondō, shared the same burden.

"No! We'll take it!"

"You understand you might die? We might not even be able to bring your bodies back to the homeland. Even so, are you sure?"

"...Yes!"

"We're SDF officers! We're ready to carry out any orders given to us, no matter what they entail!"

The trio, who often didn't seem like typical soldiers, reminded Hijikata of their unwavering dedication.

"...All right. The mission starts at 0300 hours, one month from today. There will be a pre-operation briefing, but I'll inform you about that later. In the meantime, settle your affairs and prepare yourselves. That's all. Sorry to disturb you."

"Yes, sir!"

As Hijikata left the staff room, the three exchanged glances.

"Well, no matter how you spin it... this is terrifying."

"...Y-yeah."

"Hey, how about we close up early today and go out for drinks?"

Over the following month, the three spent their time ensuring they had no regrets. Meanwhile, the details of the mission were finalized.

The plan was as follows: they would board an Ōsumi-class landing ship accompanied by three guides from the Hardique Empire and travel to the sea near the wall of mist, escorted by several destroyers. From there, the guides would lead them through the mist wall to begin their exploration of the Second World. Once a temporary safe zone was established, diplomats would be sent in to make contact with nearby nations or local settlements to build friendly relations.

Of course, they didn't expect things to go smoothly. Obstacles and unforeseen circumstances were inevitable.

According to information from the Hardique Empire, the only viable route through the mist wall appeared to lead to the Second World nation known as the Land of Owari. However, the warriors of Owari were reportedly highly aggressive and violent. When a liaison ship from the Hardique Empire returned through that route, it was riddled with arrows, and many lives were lost.