[Ministry of Dungeons — Ishihara Yukie]
All of the ministries located in Kasumigahara took part in regular vice minister press conferences. Unless something out of the ordinary happened, however, the content of these press conferences did not make it into newspapers. Nevertheless, not only Japanese media but journalists from all around the world gathered for the press conferences of the Ministry of Dungeons.
Japan was unparalleled when it came to dungeon clearing and research on dungeons at the moment. The Crusaders, who operated in Europe, had also cleared a similar number of dungeons, but each of these belonged to the country in which it had appeared. This meant that Japan was still able to gather more—and often better quality—information regarding the dungeons.
The employee in charge of the public relations department of the Ministry started the press conference today, like always.
“Today, we have something to announce. The dungeon located next to the Miyakonojo Local Product Promotion Center in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture, and the dungeon located on the Kuramoto Crossing in Hakata, Fukuoka Prefecture have both been cleared by Dungeon Busters. Miyakonojo Dungeon has been confirmed to be a Rank B dungeon while Hakata Dungeon is a Rank D dungeon. As of now, only four dungeons remain uncleared. These are located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture; Edogawa City, Tokyo; Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture; and Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. The JGSDF is working on opening boot camps in these locations as well.”
The sounds of cameras taking pictures filled the room.
Dungeon Busters had a PR department, but news related to dungeon policies was always announced by the Ministry of Dungeons first. The Buster’s PR department focused solely on sharing information on how to best fight monsters, how to camp inside dungeons, and what new equipment and items they had found inside the dungeons.
“We are currently receiving requests from various Asian countries asking us to dispatch adventurers. After receiving news of the most recent achievements of Dungeon Busters, we have decided to task them with clearing a dungeon in Taipei City for the Republic of Sina. Dungeon Busters has already agreed. I am sure that some of our citizens will object to the fact that we are allowing Dungeon Busters to clear dungeons abroad while there are still dungeons that haven’t been cleared in Japan. However, it has become apparent that simply clearing dungeons within our own country will not be enough as terrorists become increasingly active in certain places. The world has to unite around the UN to face the greatest calamity to ever threaten mankind. Thus, we have decided to first lend a hand to one of our neighbors, the Republic of Sina.”
Now that the general statement was over, it was time for questions. The current governor had emerged victorious in the Tokyo gubernatorial elections, and I was asked to comment on one of the statements the governor had made.
“In preparation for a future in which dungeons exist, I’ll up the security of the city to make sure that Tokyo remains the safest city in the world forever,” the governor had said.
I had answered that our efforts would be concentrated on raising adventurers and making sure all the dungeons were cleared so regular citizens did not have to worry.
To be honest, the governor kept making vague conceptual statements that didn’t mean much in actuality. If monsters suddenly attacked Tokyo, neither the Tokyo Government Office nor the National Police Agency would be able to do anything. I just hoped they wouldn’t stand in our way and become a hindrance if that ever happened.
“My name is Jong, and I work for the Daily Woori. I have a question regarding your dispatching of adventurers abroad. You’ve cited the proximity of the Republic of Sina as the reason you decided to send adventurers there, but Japan’s closest neighbor is Woori. I believe our government has sent several requests for help to the Ministry of Dungeons. Why have you chosen the Republic of Sina over the Republic of Woori? Neither of us is a member of the IDAO, so I am sure this fact did not play any part in your decision.”
At the moment, the relationship between Japan and Woori was catastrophic to say the least. However, there were plenty of Zainichi Woorians living in Japan, and many people, especially left-wing activists, were calling for a rapprochement between the two countries. Most Japanese citizens were against this rapprochement though, unlike ten years ago when the Woorian wave was all the rage, and downright hated Woori or had a rather poor opinion of the country at the very least.
“You are correct. Neither country is part of the IDAO. But this is not the reason that led us to make this decision. The Republic of Sina is not a member of the UN, meaning they would not be able to join the IDAO even if they wished. On the other hand, Woori has made the decision to oppose the IDAO even though the Republic of Woori has produced a Secretary-General of the United Nations in the past. The Oriental Republic of Sina is already aware of the upcoming deployment of the Busters. Once the dungeon is cleared, the Oriental Republic of Sina and Japan will issue a common recommendation to the IDAO so that the Republic of Sina may join with a special status.”
“Do you mean to say that you cannot trust the Republic of Woori?”
“That is not what I said. However, the Republic of Sina has observed the basic rules of the IDAO since the very start and expressed its desire to join the organization, if possible. In comparison, the Republic of Woori has openly defied the IDAO. I believe it should be crystal clear which country ought to be prioritized. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Reporters from every other country nodded while the reporters from Daily Woori and Urinara News looked dissatisfied.
The situation in Woori was messy at the moment. The current chaos had first been triggered by a reevaluation of the minimum wage, which had then brought down the economy. The plan’s failure to bring together both parts of the peninsula, the comfort women issue, and the conscripted worker issue came up again, and further deteriorated the relationship between Japan and Woori. The appearance of the dungeons and the withdrawal of Gamerican troops had finally managed to bring down President Park’s approval rating to a meager twenty percent. Demonstrators now crowded the streets every weekend.
Regardless, President Park had not given up on his obsession with unifying the north and south. Ever since he had declared himself in favor of Joker, the rest of the world had turned its back on his country. Many Woorians already considered their country ruined. They needed Japan’s help but knew full well they could not expect it. They were up against a wall.