Chapter 39: 37: Terrorism in this Day and Age?
Beep-!
Scanning my railcard at the booth, I passed through the gate to the platform.
Then, boarding the train, I made my way to the first class carriages and took my seat in a private booth.
Looking up at the screen, I watched as the text showing the destination scrolled from one side to the other.
[Next Station: East Weinstell Station ▪ ▪ ▪ ]
As per usual, it was the correct stop; the one closest to my school.
Soon, the clock struck 7:30am. With a start, the train slowly began to move.
Looking out the window with my elbow on the windowsill, I leant my chin on my hand and wondered:
Will today be as fun as I hope?
That's right.
Because today is Monday.
The Order is scheduled to be launching an attack on me today.
Needless to say, I'm well aware of the events that will occur today. But, just because I know what is supposed to happen doesn't mean I can see the future.
In other words, although I am hopeful, I can't yet say whether or not today will be fun.
Unforeseen wrenches may be thrown into the works and things may not go to plan.
For instance――
Thud-!
Suddenly, I heard a loud noise from above.
"...My goodness."
Taking my elbow off the windowsill, I quietly reached a hand into the bag by my side.
"Is it starting already...?"
And then―
BOOM-!
―Chaos ensued.
Thump Thump Thump Thump-!
Following an ear-splitting explosion and screaming in the background, a series of heavy footsteps resounded from the hallway just beyond the door to my booth.
"..."
Bang-!
There passed a brief moment of silence before the door suddenly burst open and four heavily-armed masked men rushed into the booth.
"Terrorism in this day and age? Who on Earth are you lot?"
I criticised them, but they seemingly ignored my words and pointed their firearms at me, the leader of the group opening his mouth.
"Shut it! Hands where we can see 'em!"
How rude.
"Excuse me. Do you know who you're talking to?"
"Shut your mouth and don't say another word! Do as I say and put your arms up slowly!"
"Fine, fine. Chill out, man." Thrusting the muzzle of his gun towards me as he shouted so, I shrugged and did just that.
Elsewhere on the train, I could hear all kinds of blood-curdling shrieks abruptly cut off by countless gunshots.
Looking out the window, I could see the exterior scenery fly by in one amalgamated blur.
Since the train is still running, I guess that means they took over the conductor's cabin too.
The entire train had been taken over within an instant, not ten minutes after departing from the station.
"Don't even try to do anything. Shut your mouth and follow along."
They forced me out of the booth and shoved me along, two guards in front of me and two behind, all with their guns out.
Hmm...
It's a rather tough situation to get out of, isn't it?
You dove in the instant the opportunity presented itself, during my most vulnerable position of the whole day, and in a place where I cannot escape.
Really stepped up your game this time, haven't you?
Order of the Night-Time Chrysanthemum.
I must say, I am impressed.
"Excuse me. I need the toilet."
"No talking!"
However―
"Aww... Well, your loss."
"Hey, what did I just sa--?!"
Beep.
Pssh...!
"Huak-!? S-Shit...! Cough! Cough! F...uck, help...! Kaghk-!?"
―It still wasn't going to be enough to subdue me.
Without warning, the terrorists began spluttering up all their guts and lungs.
Clatter-!
Foregoing their guns which fell to the floor, they had more pressing concerns.
"Ahk...! Gughk--?!"
Violently clutching and clawing at their throats like wild animals as their mouths began to froth, they collapsed helplessly to the ground with fear in their quivering, teary eyes as they stared at me in horror.
I wonder what kinds of final thoughts these people will be thinking in this situation.
Still, in the literal sense, you didn't even think to check what I had hidden up my sleeves?
How naïve.
Smiling down at them, I gestured to my mouth and nose with a light-hearted smile.
'I even gave you guys a warning, you know? Should have begun holding your breath the moment I mentioned needing the toilet.'
If this was all the grunts of the Order were capable of, then that was that I suppose.
I guess they could call themselves unlucky.
I thought it was going to be a loud-but-harmless one.
In reality, it turned out to be the silent-but-deadly type.
Whoopsie.
Looking around, there seemed to be no one in the immediate vicinity.
How many enemies are there on the train again?
「68 alive members of the Order of the Night-Time Chrysanthemum are currently on-board the same train」
Right, right. So, there were 72 in total, huh. They've really beefed their numbers up a bit since last time, haven't they?
I guess I'll start by heading to the conductor's cabin.
Bang Bang-!!
Bang-!
"Kyaaaa--!?"
Bang-!
I don't know what exactly is going on, but the train certainly seems to be rather lively today, doesn't it?
Pesky terrorists.
Thump Thump Thump-!
Bang-!
"Hands in the air!"
What, again?
Three more masked men with firearms burst down the door ahead and threatened me.
"Yes, yes..."
Of course, I did as they commanded.
I wouldn't want to get shot now, would I? It's not like I'm invincible, after all.
Approaching closer to me with great trepidation in their steps, I could tell just how wary they felt of me.
"Don't move a fucking muscle!"
However, although they threatened me like so, I knew they were unable to kill me.
Just like during the previous attempt, their primary goal was to capture me alive.
Obviously, if they had no choice but to kill me, then they would do so, but my death was definitely not something on their list of priorities.
Even so, I quietly did as they said and hung my arms in the air; palms facing outward to show that I meant no harm.
That action, however, resulted in my sleeve falling down my arm a bit―revealing my watch.
Huh?
Oh, the time...
[7:45 am]
School starts at 8am.
Since there's a ten minute walk from the train station to school, if I can't wrap this up in five minutes...
...I may end up being late for school today.
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