Chapter 79:
Stalker Eradication! Excitement♡ Tipsy Beauties' Homecoming Operation!
We put the plan into action.
In the evening, Serai-san and Nina-san, dressed alluringly, set out to lure the stalker, meticulously surveying Serai-san's usual routes. When they reached the nearest station to Serai-san's home, they entered an izakaya near the station to enjoy dinner and drinks.
I confirmed this information through messages from Serai-san and her friends. Because I had become quite muscular and couldn't hide discreetly, I needed optical camouflage to fulfill my guard duty. That's where Shark came in.
Shark's reward was the promise to continue coaching in the dungeon and a small allowance. At that time, she said something like, [Transfer the reward to a Swiss bank], but come on, she doesn't even have an account. What's she trying to do, act like the world's top sniper?
[Shark, the target is still eating. The target is drawing too much attention, and it's difficult to identify any dangerous individuals in the vicinity. Send.]
[Shark, don't make it too troublesome. But you know how it is around Seirai and the others. Ignore the customers in the izakaya and remain vigilant against anyone who follows them after they leave the restaurant.]
[Understood. Continuing covert protection.]
Hmm, I can imagine Shark's struggles. After all, today, Serai-san and the others went out in provocative outfits to lure the stalker.
Serai-san wore a tight red miniskirt with a black crop top that exposed her midriff. On top of that, she had a sheer summer cardigan. It was a daring fashion choice more reminiscent of hostesses than college students. Given Seirai's cuteness and ample chest, it was inevitable that she would attract attention.
And to top it off, there was Nina-san, who looked even more stunning in such fashion despite being a college student herself. She wore a tight, deep blue long dress, intentionally going for darker colors, which gave her a mature appearance. She sent me some pictures and looked like she could start singing a ballad next to a piano at any moment.
[Both of them are almost done at the restaurant. Please continue guarding them.]
[Understood.]
[Understood.]
We were all in a group chat, so we shared the information quickly.
[Hyuo. Ohhh.]
"Understood… hehehe, it's become quite convenient (Terron)."
Thanks to this, I could use voice input to type sentences. Using the fingers in my Bug King suit, I operated the communication device and put it away.
I was on the rooftop of a four-story building with strong winds blowing, directly across the street from Seirai's three-story apartment. This location offered the best vantage point, making it easy to keep an eye on Serai-san's room. The reason for this choice was the biggest concern. If the stalker following Seirai had gained abilities in the dungeon, especially ones related to [Acid], Slime-type monsters were common in various dungeons. Therefore, quite a few dungeon explorers with the [Acid] skill. So, what I was worried about was that the opponent might also have [Acid], and I'd end up in a battle similar to a character vs. character fight.
In such a scenario, if I wasn't wearing the Bug King Suit, it would undoubtedly end in a draw. That's why I was hiding on the rooftop in my Bug King Suit, keeping an eye on the surroundings.
Well, without a doubt, the most suspicious person in this area is me, the mysterious Bug Man.
… On the first day, Stalker Eradication! Excitement♡ Tipsy Beauties' Homecoming Operation! Missed. The person who seemed to be the stalker did not appear.
The second day, was another miss.
Serai-san and Nina-san returned home uneventfully, stumbling as they entered the room.
They had spread the atmosphere of being tipsy and carefree, leaving plenty of bait behind. Nina's act of being drunk was exceptional. They left Seirai's apartment door open and staggered into the hallway, leaning against the automatic lock door in a drunken state, leaving it open. Then they left the scene and headed towards the station.
However, they met by a fellow tenant who had returned to the apartment at the same time, and the automatic lock door was promptly closed. I couldn't go and open the door in my Bug King Suit, and it would be suspicious if Seirai went out of her way to do it. Therefore, this day ended in another miss.
And then came the third day, where an incident occurred. Shockingly, Shark got apprehended.
[This is Shark. I've been spotted by the police! Colonel, Colonel! I need instructions!]
After this message, no matter how many messages I sent, I couldn't get in touch with him. Then, a message came in saying, [Right now, I'm at the police station, getting a lecture. I told them it was to help my friends who were being targeted by a stalker. But they're not listening at all… >_<].
Well, that was unexpected. I had underestimated the situation, thinking it wasn't unusual for someone as young as a high school student to be out at night, but it turned out to be a big miscalculation. For now, let's give a thumbs up to the police officer who detained Shark. It might have been a minus for our mission, but it was a plus for the peace in Japan.
"Then, today, let's give up and go pick up Shark ourselves."
Serai-san suggested this situation. However, we were in Stage 3 already, and they had just left the izakaya on their way home. If we acted suspiciously at this point, the stalker might become cautious, suspecting it's a trap. That wouldn't be good.
"No, Serai-san and the others should continue with the operation. Shark should be fine; she said he was a police officer. After you get home and leave Seirai's room, we'll arrange for Shark's pickup."
"Alright. Today's Coach seems pretty cool, huh?"
Is that so? Well, maybe. It feels like I'm immersed in a hardcore combat game world, acting like the main character. Like GhOst in the Shell or Metal GOar. Shark seemed pretty excited too. You can't help it if you're an otaku.
I hear a voice. Okay, I've got a visual.
Serai-san and Nina-san are stumbling home, arms around each other, looking drunk. Wait, is this still an act? They're not really drinking all that, are they?
Anyway, I extend my awareness and search for any signs of movement around them. Other than a young salaryman who seems to be following them on their way home, I don't sense any particular presence.
"Hmm… that salaryman can't be the stalker, can he?"
Serai-san and Nina-san, still looking drunk, climb the stairs to the apartment entrance. The young salaryman, avoiding the situation where he has to wait for them, passes by, looking bored and fiddling with his communication device.
"Hmm… Looks like it's another miss today—wait! This feeling…!"
I sense something like an intense gaze. What's with this pressure…?
Serai-san and Nina-san, arms around each other and looking drunk, continue up the stairs. There seems to be a gaze directed at them.
"I found it! Bingo! That T-intersection!"
I carefully search for any signs of movement around me. Previously, when I went to Seirai's room to get her belongings, I noticed a suspicious person hiding behind the block wall. I sense that someone is lurking in the shadows.
I quickly call Serai-san, who's inside the room.
"Ah, Master?"
"Yeah, Serai-san, we've got a hit. The stalker has appeared."
"Huh! Really?! No way!"
"It's true. It seems I've hooked them. Can you switch with Nina-san?"
After a bit of rustling and commotion, Nina-san gets on the phone.
"Ah, over here? Did it work out?"
"It's all thanks to the two of you and your acting skills. Now, Nina-san, can you leave the apartment naturally, with the door still unlocked?"
"Okay, sure! Leave it to me~♪"
About 2 minutes later, Nina emerges from the room.
"Hah…"
Nina-san is standing straight and walking as if she can't walk properly due to being drunk. She leans against the door and the hallway railing. Then, she gives a sly smile and winks in our direction.
Well, well, what an actress. She's so seductive that I'm worried the stalker might follow her instead of Seirai. But with this, her acting won't be exposed.
Alright, next up is the big capture operation!