Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody

This is the second episode of today. If you haven't read it yet, please check out the previous chapter "17-53. A Peaceful World, and Then――" first.

"Good morning, where is Mr. Metabo?"

"Mr. Metabo said he was going to grab breakfast and went to the convenience store."

"I see, thanks."

Maybe because the game development is in its final stages, many employees are staying overnight.

We're probably about to get scolded by labor standards soon.

“Now, the noon news on March 3, 2013, New Century.”

The news anchor’s voice comes from the large monitor in the meeting room.

It seems the people having breakfast over there are playing it.

“The rescue to the another world Elanshas, which has been discussed in the National Assembly since last month, has been approved. With the agreement of the parliament, the hero’s office has decided to dispatch the demigod dog hero Pochi-sama, who is scheduled to depart from the seventh gate even today.”

While listening to the news, I switch on my PC.

“This is Irina Muno at the seventh gate. Divine power has already been infused into the gate by God Kalion and Urion God, making it ready for activation at any time—Ah! Here they come! Dog hero Pochi-sama! Pochi-sama! Please share your feelings with us!”

Turning toward the enthusiastic announcer’s voice, the monitor shows a dog humanoid girl happily jumping and waving her hand energetically.

“She has noticed us and is waving. Her adorable figure continues to melt the hearts of our reporters.”

In the middle of the sentence, all the cameras in the video suddenly move.

A moment later, the monitor switches angle.

“It’s Cat Ninja Tama-sama! She wasn’t supposed to be on this mission, so it seems she came to encourage her younger sister god Pochi-sama. Oh, after hugging Pochi-sama, both of them are waving together now.”

The announcer girl is desperately waving back as well.

She must be a fan of the two.

After watching for a while, the footage returns to the studio.

“Both of them seem so friendly.”

“According to insiders, there’s a rumor that the hero of the great war of another world, Liza Kishureshigarza-sama, will be joining them as well.”

“That’s amazing. It feels like a reenactment of the myth era.”

An older female anchor and a young male announcer chat like that.

"The volume's too loud. Turn it down already."

"Y-yes, sorry, Manager Tachibana."

The meeting room group, scolded by the strict general affairs manager, crawls back to their desks.

"Ichiro-senpai~ I can't fix this bug~"

"Junior is calling you, Su—Suzuki-san."

Mr. Metabo, who had returned from breakfast unnoticed, points from his distant desk to the girl calling me.

"I'll help once I finish this meeting, so send me a message with an overview of the bug."

"Okay, thanks!"

"You could wait a bit longer, you know."

Mr. Metabo shakes his gnome-like barrel belly, probably because I postponed Junior's request.

"I can't let that slide."

It's an important meeting for the next game after all.

Gathering Mr. Metabo and the key members, I head toward the meeting room.

"So, Suzuki-san, your presentation to President Kagura got approved, right? What's the title of the new game?"

I show the project plan to Mr. Metabo.

"Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody."

The web version of "Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody" ends here for now.

The book and manga versions will continue for a long time, and I plan to keep writing “behind-the-scenes” stories, “sequel tales,” and perspectives not seen through Satou’s eyes on an irregular basis.

Since this might get lengthy, please see my activity report titled “Death March is Finished!” for my thoughts on completing the work.

Thank you very much for following the series until the very end!

I am deeply grateful to all readers who have loved Death March!!!

If you like, please share your memories of Death March or your favorite moments in the comments. The author will be delighted by your heartfelt messages like “This part was great!” or “I loved this episode!”