Shinji Kamiya, a man who lost his way into another world and, through a chance encounter, ended up working as part of the Demon Defense Force.
At twenty-five years old guy now found himself employed in a workplace dominated by women.
To be more precise, not as a squad member but primarily as the dormitory manager. Life truly was unpredictable, Shinji mused with a deep sense of resignation.
"Hoh~... So this is the dorm. It's pretty damn clean."
The Demon Capital Defense Force was composed of nine units, numbered one through ten, excluding the unlucky number four. Each unit was assigned to one of eight sectors, dividing the Demon Capital, plus the central area.
Furthermore, each dormitory was designed based on 'Demon Capital Onmyodo' principles, surrounded by powerful barriers. This system prevented incursions by demons from the outside, allowing for a safe living environment.
"Still, the dorms are inside the Demon Capital itself... Can people actually sleep here?"
"Relax. The soundproofing is perfect, and most importantly, thanks to the barriers, those fuckers can't get anywhere near. You'll find it surprisingly comfortable once you get used to it."
After a brief exchange, they entered the building, which resembled a traditional inn.
The interior looked fantastic. The furniture and daily necessities were well-maintained, and it was excellently appointed, complete with a kitchen, bathrooms, and even an open-air bath with a good view.
In the real world, this would undoubtedly be considered prime real estate.
Thinking this, Shinji followed Kyoka inside, only to...
"Whoa, it really is a guy."
"I came from an all-girls school, so I never really had a chance to check out a dude up close like this. Kinda interesting!!"
"P-pleased to meet you. M-Mr. Manager..."
"Whoa there..."
Several members in uniform had gathered to greet him.
A girl who looked prideful, short-tempered, and quick to anger.
An inquisitive-looking girl with a ribbon in her hair.
A clearly underage, young girl, among other strong personalities. He felt slightly daunted facing them.
"Let me introduce them. These are the squad members living here. There are others, but they're on assignment right now."
"I see... Shinji Kamiya. Starting today, I'll be working here as the manager. Well, whatever... Just feel free to talk to me."
Shinji introduced himself casually, avoiding stiff formalities.
However, the reactions from the others were somewhat tepid, and they replied with non-committal responses.
"...I'm Himari Azuma. Well, for now, the trash has been piling up, so go clean it."
"I'm Suruga Shushu! Nice to meet'cha. Oh, and I'm hungry, so make something to eat, okay♪."
"Um, I'm Nei Ookawamura! I joined the Seventh Unit just before you did. As your senior, I'll support you, so don't worry."
"Whoa, okay..."
A sturdy black trash bag was thrust into his hands, he was pestered to cook, and he received encouragement from a 'senior' who looked like an elementary schooler.
The amount of information was a bit overwhelming, but since he'd taken on the job himself, he had to see it through. Accepting it all without a single complaint, Kyoka, standing next to him, seized the moment to take off her jacket and hand it to him.
"While you're at it, wash my uniform too."
"Right... Understood. Ah, that reminds me, there's one thing I wanted to ask."
"What is it?"
"Right now, I'm renting an apartment in a building managed by a friend. What should I do about that? If I'm working and living here, I'll need a change of clothes, and most importantly... my friend is aware, but I have some... rather dangerous belongings over there."
"Then rest easy. If you give me the address later, I'll take care of it."
"Meaning?"
"It's simple. I'll just have your belongings brought over here."
After completing various procedures, it would be fine to transfer only the essential items here. In short, she was saying the moving process would be easy.
"Later, write a list of the necessary items on a memo or something. I'll handle the processing on this side based on that."
"R-right... But, is that okay? Some of the stuff is pretty troublesome..."
"Don't worry. I'll manage while taking your circumstances into account. Well, I'll have you tell me all about what kind of work you did later, specifically. And also... I'll be taking that handgun you've got tucked in your chest for safekeeping on this side. If you carry it without permission, I won't forgive you, understand?"
"Ah, understood. Well then, shall we get started right away?"
Still clad in his somewhat grimy clothes, Shinji immediately sprang into action.
He wondered just what would become of him from here on out.
He silently prayed that, hopefully, they could get along without any reservations.
Several Days Later…
Having grown somewhat accustomed to life in the new environment, he managed his duties while living there. Muttering to himself, he looked over the areas he had meticulously cleaned in the entranceway.
"Alright... This should do it?"
With a towel wrapped around his head and wearing comfortable clothes, he surveyed his work. Then, placing the mop in his hand into a bucket, he took a breath.
The residents here were skilled in combat but were a bunch of oddballs who struggled with ordinary household chores. Indeed, when taking out the trash before, the sorting was poorly done, with things carelessly stuffed together.
While Shinji felt slightly uneasy about their future, he shook off the thought and checked his work again.
"...OK. This should be fine for now."
Having lived a long single life and being dexterous, he handled the housework effortlessly. Cooking, laundry, cleaning... and even detailed tasks like washing dishes and sewing were performed without complaint.
Frankly, the treatment was almost that of a manservant, but perhaps he felt that life here wasn't so bad once you got used to it.
As he idly gazed at the cleaned areas.
"Hm?"
Shinji suddenly sensed an abnormal presence behind him…