Chapter 35

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Translator: penny

Chapter: 35

Chapter Title: 4.7 The Meaning of a Rune Holder's Existence, 4.7-2. Rampage of the Panty Analyst

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'The power of Rune Holders is national power itself.'

That's a truth accepted not just in Japan, but around the world.

Just as traditional nations built armies for defense, in a world where Rune Towers and monsters have appeared, countries nurture Rune Holders for the same purpose.

Japan has established specialized academies to train Rune Holders, pouring resources into their development with all sorts of benefits and support policies. Some even complain of preferential treatment—the interests at stake are that massive.

But right now, I was about to say something that directly contradicted this conventional wisdom.

"Japan views Rune Holders as little more than a reserve force of criminals."

This was also my long-held belief.

I'm not saying it out of any particular dissatisfaction.

I'm just stating what I've observed.

In terms of my past life, Rune Holders are like 'U.S. troops stationed in Korea who commit crimes 100 times more often.'

Everyone knows they're necessary, but unless it's wartime, the average citizen doesn't feel much gratitude. Instead, with crime stories dominating the news, deep-seated hatred toward Rune Holders is inevitable.

"Everyone knows the crime rate among Rune Holders is high, but isn't that a bit of an overstatement?"

"Per capita, Rune Holders commit crimes at a rate ten times higher than average, and over thirty times for sex crimes."

With their small population ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠inflating the ratios somewhat, Rune Holders still commit crimes at an unnaturally high rate.

Just look at the number of sex criminals I've killed in the few days since the semester started—it's abnormal.

And the problems caused by Rune Holders aren't limited to crime. They cause plenty of accidents too.

Anyone with special abilities wants to test them out.

If you suddenly gained fire manipulation powers, wouldn't you try setting something ablaze? I don't think there's a single person who wouldn't. Probably 95 out of 100 would play with fire.

Naturally, accidents from special abilities happen frequently.

"Even so, there are policies favoring Rune Holders, and while there's some hatred, plenty of people are grateful to those who protect citizens from monsters."

"I'm not talking about the Japanese people. I'm talking about the Japanese government's perspective."

Japan's democracy is bizarre.

Or maybe this world itself is off-kilter, but public opinion and government views are somehow misaligned.

"Rune Holders make up just 0.01% of the population. Every time one of that 0.01% commits a crime, the media hammers the incompetent government, and the ruling party's approval ratings drop. The stronger the offending Rune Holder, the harder they are to subdue, leading to more civilian casualties and even steeper drops in support."

To the government, a middlingly strong Rune Holder is nothing more than a headache poised to commit serious crime—nothing more, nothing less.

If there were any other way to fight monsters besides Rune Holders, they'd have been wiped out long ago. The government's gaze toward them is that harsh.

"To reduce crime damage from Rune Holders, the government weakens their power. Is that what you're saying, Naibusu?"

"Exactly. They built the academy right next to the Rune Tower but set it as a restricted zone to keep students out—for the same reason."

"So students can't hunt monsters from the tower and grow stronger?"

"Precisely."

Sensing the conversation dragging on, Sino-shino stood to prepare tea. She glanced our way occasionally, still listening intently.

"I get what you're saying about the government deliberately weakening Rune Holders. But what about monsters? What if another Great Catastrophe happens?"

"Well, it'll work out somehow."

"Work out somehow?"

The Student Council President glared at me, but that's not what I think. That's what the government thinks.

To clear up the misunderstanding, I added an explanation.

"Japan has three top generals: Arashi, Muramasa, and Inazuma."

I counted them off on my fingers one by one.

Lieutenant General Arashi, Major General Muramasa, Brigadier General Inazuma.

If the average Rune Holder is a rifleman or machine gunner, these three are each walking Fat Man and Little Boy bombs.

"The government probably figures these three are enough to handle anything. And during the Great Catastrophe, it somehow worked."

Rather than bulking up with mediocre masses and making noise, the government judged it more efficient to deploy a small elite force that obeys orders.

And since that approach succeeded during the Great Catastrophe, it's unlikely to change anytime soon.

"...Then what about the rest of the Rune Holders? What's the point of the academy?"

The president's mind wavered.

She already knew the answer. She was just asking for confirmation.

"Bullet sponges? Meat shields? At best, to buy time during another Great Catastrophe so monsters don't overrun civilians. While the other Rune Holders hold back the monsters with their bodies, the three generals handle it—so regular Rune Holders just need to be numerous enough for meat shields without causing extra trouble. Disposable pawns, basically."

"Disposable pawns..."

The president mulled over my words.

I saw it myself during the Great Catastrophe: radical Rune Holders thrown into battles beyond their level pointlessly, and those who complained too much discarded like rags.

I'm still alive partly because someone had my back, but mostly because I had no weird ambitions and followed orders obediently. Back then, I was just a cute, obedient 10-year-old boy soldier.

A future dream of eradicating rape? The higher-ups probably found it adorable.

"To keep those disposable pawns from rebelling, they withhold the truth. Feed them just enough, treat them decently enough. But bite the hand that feeds? They'll put you down without mercy. The bosses need obedient hunting dogs, not ones that turn on their masters."

"But... isn't that inefficient? Spending so much time and money raising Rune Holders just to use them as cannon fodder."

I agree.

They drag them through six years of middle school division and six of high school, pouring tax money like water into welfare and support, only to idle them in peacetime and throw them away as fodder in war.

Especially for the president, who's endured grueling education since birth, it's even harder to accept.

"Well, I wouldn't know about that. The higher-ups must have their reasons."

Japan's history of throwing fighter pilots into the meat grinder in WWII makes you think, "Yeah, figures."

Or maybe the original game's lore is just sloppy. They treat my sister Naiad, who's never left the country, like a native English teacher.

"Here's your tea."

"Thanks."

Sino-shino set a teacup in front of the president.

"...What about me?"

No way.

Petty over food?

But Sino-shino scoffed.

"Hmph. If you don't mind my spit in it, I'll make you some."

"Oh! Sounds great!"

Tea with a beauty's saliva? You couldn't buy that for money!

Sino-shino glared at me like I was a cockroach and turned away.

The president sipped her steaming tea and set it back down.

Far from it. I have no ulterior motive. You asked, so I answered.

"What do you think, Naibusu?"

"Think about what?"

"That the government's policy is wrong, or how it should change."

I shrugged.

"Government policy? I couldn't care less."

"But you—"

"You're expecting too much from me, President. I'm just a regular civilian."

I'm overwhelmed just reaching for what's within arm's length.

No spare energy for politics in this godforsaken world.

I have one vote, and even all Rune Holder votes only add up to 0.01%. To change anything, you'd need an Islamic extremist approach, not democracy.

Of course, I have zero intention of that nonsense.

"With great power comes great responsibility."

"That's for people like you, President. The power I have is for slaughtering perverts, and that's plenty."

"Perverts?"

"Ahem."

Slipped out.

-Thud.

Sino-shino set tea on the table in front of me right on cue.

"Thanks, Sino-shino."

"If you don't mind my spit, drink up."

"Ooh, perfect. Is this oolong?"

-Slurp.

Sino-shino scowled as I slurped it like ramen broth.

Heh. I know she didn't actually spit in it.

"...Phew. We've gone off track. Anyway, to get stronger, you need to hunt monsters and level up. With the law blocking that, there's no way right now."

The president and her approved guards can enter the restricted zone.

But that's it.

The military controls the Rune Tower interior where monsters are, and even the president can't get in.

Unlike the restricted zone with official permits, the tower interior has no access. You'd need to change the law, which even the president can't do overnight.

—Or so I thought.

"If we get permission to go, will you help too, Naibusu?"

"...For real?"

"Yes. Of course."

The president's eyes were serious. No hesitation.

If she truly meant it, my answer was set.

"...Just give the order anytime. I'm your guard, after all."

"Heh. Good answer."

"Sino-shino too—if you show me your panties, I'd help with anything."

"Rejected."

4.7-2. Rampage of the Panty Analyst

"Sino-shino too—if you show me your panties, I'd help with anything."

"Rejected."

Sino-shino shot down my joke in an instant.

The president watched us intently.

...President. Please distinguish jokes from sincerity.

Asking Sino-shino for panties was deliberate because I knew she'd hate it.

"But Naibusu, why don't you ever ask me to show you my panties?"

"...Huh?"

My tongue froze at her words.

Killing intent flew from Sino-shino.

"You ask Shino just fine, but make no demands of me?"

"No."

"Does that mean my panties aren't even worth seeing? Sniff."

"You bastard!"

"Wait! I didn't say anything!"

And fix your habit of drawing your sword first!

I calmly persuaded the president.

"President, how could I dare make such a request of you? Phoenix feathers and chicken feathers are worlds apart—how could I judge your panties by the same standard as Sino-shino's?"

"...Are you saying my panties are chicken ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠feathers?"

"Obviously! Or did you think yours were ostrich plumes?"

"You little—!"

"No, fine, I'll give Sino-shino turkey feathers at best."

-Clink clink. Sino-shino gripped her hilt, trembling over whether to draw.

In this powder-keg atmosphere, the president smiled faintly.

"Fine, I'll show you my panties too."

"'Fine' isn't the word. How did we end up here?"

Did my words go in one ear and out the other?

"Then you won't look?"

"Of course I will."

"Naibusu!"

"Why me? The president offered. Turning down an offer is rude, right?"

Indeed. As a certified panty analyst endorsed by Mizuki President herself, refusing offered panties violates my creed. It's disrespectful to the woman's honor.

"Ngh... President. No need to grant such grace to this man."

Showing panties as 'grace'? It is huge grace, sure.

"Shino, calm down. It's just showing panties."

"B-but..."

"The world runs on give and take. Buying Naibusu's loyalty with panties is a bargain. If we don't reward him properly and he betrays us, the cost would be far higher."

"Hmph. Very well."

I crossed my arms and nodded as if agreeing with the president.

Sino-shino glared daggers at me.

Take it up with the president. I'm just a yes-man agreeing with her.

"Well, lunch break's almost over."

The president rose gracefully.

Click clack. Her heels echoed as she approached me.

"P-President."

"No fuss, Shino. You know best that a body like mine isn't worth much."

Her body worthless? What nonsense.

How am I supposed to live as trash then? I'd become nuclear waste. I demand apology, compensation, and panties from the president.

"Ngh... President..."

I glanced at Sino-shino, curious how she'd respond, but she just hung her head like she'd swallowed bitter medicine.

...Huh? What?

...What? Did I hear that right?

No arranged marriage or unknown fiancé for her, right? President?

"Heh."

Standing before me, the president laughed lightly, as if shaking off complicated thoughts.

No trace of burdensome worries on her face—just the usual curious, amusement-loving president.

...But my heart...

The president stood tall before me and declared.

"Naibusu! Lift my skirt!"

"...Me?"

I'd said I'd look if shown, but wasn't prepared to lift it myself.

"Come on, hurry!"

She stepped closer, urging me.

I panicked and scooted back in my chair.

"W-wait a sec."

Now, how to put this.

Viewing offered panties versus lifting the skirt yourself? Different difficulty levels.

An instinctive revulsion at the sacrilege ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠of lifting Mizuki President's skirt.

It felt like doodling on a masterpiece in a museum—terrifying.

"Hehe. What's wrong? Is that all the passion you have for panties, Naibusu?"

"Don't talk like I'm some panty-crazed maniac."

I'm just a normal guy who likes seeing cute girls blush shyly.

"Come on."

"For real? I'm really lifting it? No take-backs later."

"Do you think I'm some petty woman who'd renege?"

"Not that, but..."

I glanced at Sino-shino.

She just watched silently.

Tacit approval? Really okay?

"O-okay, lifting."

Even with permission from her and her guard, I lifted the president's skirt stealthily, like a thief.

The president's skirt is longer than standard uniform, high defense.

Sino-shino's reaches mid-thigh, but the president's goes below the knee—designed to never reveal panties normally.

I was the first man granted the glorious right to lift it.

"Oh... this is...!"

Lifting the long skirt revealed an unexpected sight.

Looked like plain black stockings from outside.

But the thigh-high black stockings were adorned with ornate lace, connected by straps to a hip belt—a garter belt.

And the panties: mature, sexy black ones exuding adult allure.

"What do you think, Naibusu? Like them?"

"...Yes. Very much."

Last time, they were cute bear prints.

She'd leaped straight up the stairs to adulthood.

The friendly president felt distant now, beyond my reach.

"Truly shocking. Not just fancy panties, but coordinating the surroundings too. Even I, a panty expert, overlooked that. Like tending an entire forest to highlight one tree—a grand vision—"

"Ahem."

Sino-shino cleared her throat, cutting me off.

What? I was in the middle of an important analysis.

As I paused, the president flinched and spoke.

"...Naibusu. Too close."

"Ah, sorry. Got carried away."

I'd unconsciously brought my face so close my breath touched her panties.

Good thing Sino-shino stopped me—I nearly buried my nose in them. Phew.

...A bit later would've been nice.

"Any flaws? Stains, sweat?"

Concerned over my prior critique of Sino-shino, perhaps.

"No way. Perfect."

Sino-shino twitched beside me.

Probably recalling what I said to her.

Of course the president had none, but ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠for Sino-shino's honor: she didn't either. It was just bluffing to tease.

"However..."

"However?"

"...The texture... bothers me, I suppose."

"Texture?"

"Naibusu! I just watched, but you...!"

Sino-shino looked ready to pounce.

But I couldn't back down now. A man who draws his sword must cut something—even if it's me getting sliced.

I had to finish.

"Not asking to touch, of course. Just curious about the texture. Your panties look luxurious—how does the material differ from normal ones? What would it feel like?"

"I see. Your curiosity makes sense."

The president nodded, kindred spirit in curiosity.

Pure thirst for knowledge. No impure thoughts. Honest.

"Naibusu. If my panties are fine, want to touch?"

"President!"

"That okay?"

"Yes. For research."

Whatever research, but refusing an offer to touch? Unmanly.

"Shino, calm. Just over the panties."

"B-but, President, that's..."

"Naibusu. No hymen damage, right?"

Ugh. So blatant.

Subtle virgin appeal from the president.

"...No, of course not."

"If it does, off with your head."

"Understood. I take full responsibility."

She lifted her skirt herself this time.

Sino-shino floundered beside her.

"Go ahead, Naibusu. Touch till satisfied."

"...Alright."

The center mound—likely the labia majora.

I pressed my middle finger there lightly.

Just barely.

Soft skin and fabric yielded to my finger's shape.

"Nnh..."

Twitch.

The president trembled slightly at the sensitive spot.

Her there felt so delicate, I couldn't press harder.

I stroked the outer fabric lightly, like skimming watermelon rind.

"W-what's it like, Naibusu?"

"Incredibly soft... squishy. Closer feel of the skin than expected. Like stroking a baby's chubby cheeks."

"I... see. Hoo..."

"Can I touch more?"

"...Yes. Of course. Till you're satisfied..."

Middle and ring fingers gently rubbed her mound.

Up, down.

Tracing contours beneath the panties with sensitive fingertips.

"Nnh... Ah..."

Sweet moans mixed into her breaths.

"...Naibusu. Enough."

Sino-shino warned.

Holding back per orders, but ready to strike if needed.

"President."

"...Yes? What?"

"For accurate texture, we need a control group."

"Control group..."

She turned.

Sino-shino glared at me.

"P-President...?"

Sino-shino flustered under the president's heated gaze.

The president issued a cold command.

"Shino. For research, could I ask? Not an order, of course. Personal request."

"Eek..."

Sino-shino swallowed hard.

Not an order, but to her, the president's request weighed heavier.

Sino-shino glared at me, then her, then me, then her.

Finally, steeling herself, she spoke with trembling lips.

"U-understood..."

Once decided, no hesitation—that's Sino-shino's strength.

She pulled down her panties without pause, to her knees.

"Ngh..."

She still glared murderously, but glaring in panties was about as scary as a chick.

...Thinking about it.

The Student Council President and her guard captain were both showing me panties.

I went wild after hearing her subtle mind, but still.

Am I the greatest in the academy right now?

No.

Greatness doesn't matter.

Sino-shino was offering her panties for me to touch.

Opportunity like this won't come twice.

No time to gawk.

Sino-shino's were plain white cotton.

Opposite the president's forced maturity, hers seemed deliberately modest. Wouldn't the president's style suit Sino-shino better?

"Eek...!"

One hand on president's panties, the other to Sino-shino's.

She reflexively clamped thighs at my touch.

I ignored and rubbed the protruding labia gently.

Soft skin with a slight wiry texture over it.

"...Indeed."

Enlightened, I nodded.

"So, Naibusu? Notice the difference?"

The president asked expectantly.

I confidently presented my findings.

"Yes. Unlike yours, President, Sino-shino's is a rainforest..."

-Bam!

Sino-shino punched my head.

"Ow."

My head hurts, but her fist okay?

"Rainforest?"

The president repeated blankly.

She figured it out herself. Smart girl.

"Y-you bastard...!"

Excited Sino-shino fumbled drawing her sword, hands shaking too much.

Too riled up is bad. High blood pressure killed me in my past life.

"Wait, Sino-shino. I was just answering the president."

"Yes, Shino. My fault—if you're upset, hit me instead."

"Ngh... Urgh...!"

Unable to act with the president shielding me, Sino-shino swallowed her rage.

Heh heh. Punishment for scorning me. Take it sweetly.

-Ding dong dang dong.

Lunch end bell rang perfectly.

I decided to escape before Sino-shino exploded.

"Well, President, I'll head out."

"Yes. If permission comes, thanks in advance, Naibusu."

"...Of course. See you, Sino-shino."

I bowed to the president and waved to Sino-shino.

Amid her wave and Sino-shino's gritted teeth, I left the student council room.

Guess the president really means to go to the Rune Tower.

Time to prepare myself.

Rubbing my still-damp fingers, I pondered whose moisture it was.