第１０１掘：これからどうする？ (Part1)
**Dungeon 101: What Now?**
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***
**What now?**
**Side: Yuki**
"So, that’s the situation. We’ve all sat back down, but where do you think we should start?"
Honestly, we’ll need to go into more detail and iron out the specifics later, but for now, a brief Q&A seems appropriate.
"Um, Brother? If you don't mind?"
"What is it?"
"I understand that you and the others are Dungeon Masters, but what exactly are you asking of us?"
"What, exactly... well, to be honest, I want to know everything."
I replied as much. I have many plans for the future, and I need information at any cost. I want to prevent any future troubles or complications before they even arise. And if there are any convenient or clever ways to utilize a dungeon, I’m eager to hear about them.
"I see... and what do you intend to do with your dungeon, Brother?"
"...Ah, I suppose that’s a fair point."
They know we are Dungeon Masters, but they have no idea how we utilize our dungeons—or rather, what we are actually doing with them. I suppose I can’t expect a response without explaining that. But how to explain it? Even a simple explanation would sound absurd.
"It’s simple, Reye. Yuki is using his dungeon to put an end to war. If you’re willing, you should help him."
"Huh?"
Hey now, Deryu just blurted that out. Reye looked completely stunned. That’s only natural; if you know the common perception of dungeons, you’d wonder how anyone could reach such a conclusion.
"Um, how on earth can you use a dungeon to stop wars? You don't mean to gather the dungeon’s military might and conquer other nations, do you!? That is unacceptable. We just want to live in peace. Wouldn't that just make you the very disaster of legend!?"
Reye denied it as if the idea were preposterous.
"Fool, think it through. If Yuki truly intended to conquer the world with military force, you wouldn't be alive right now. You saw it, didn't you? The ease with which he suppressed this dungeon."
"Yes..."
"Well, Deryu’s assessment might be a bit exaggerated, but Reye, are you familiar with Gates and teleportation traps?"
"Yes, the methods for connecting one location to another. I use them myself, restricting access to specific individuals like Riri and Anna, to make traveling between the dungeon and the town easier."
"Right, we’re utilizing that to..."
I spent about an hour giving them a simplified explanation. We are connecting dungeons across various nations via Gates, allowing those nations to use them for mutual surveillance, thereby suppressing the urge for war. And, of course, explaining the various requirements for such a system.
"And that’s the gist of it."
"Wow... that’s an incredible story. But it’s not impossible. It’s truly magnificent."
Reye, Anna, and Riri were all surprised, yet clearly impressed.
"That’s why, focusing on the dungeons currently in Roschur, we are enlisting the help of Seraria and Rurua to install dungeons in other nations and push this goal forward."
"And the problem that arises there is dealing with the dungeons owned by people other than you, Brother."
"Exactly. If the Dungeon Master is friendly, like you, Reye, they can help us with many things. But if they are hostile..."
"Then we must seize control, restrain them, or eliminate them at all costs."
That’s the reality of it. Dungeon Masters like myself are the most troublesome enemies. The only ones who can truly get in our way are our peers, the Heroes, the Demon Lords, or the gods themselves.
"That’s the situation. I assume, Reye, that since you are Deryu’s brother, you have no intention of being hostile toward me?"
"Yes, I have no reason to fight you or my sister."
"I’m grateful for that. That said, since we are operating within the framework of nations, I intend to prepare the paperwork and have you sign it in the near future to make it official."
"That is only natural. I have no objections."
No objections, then. He is royalty, after all. He understands the importance of the matter and has clearly thought through his response. There are still many details to iron out, though.
"That is our primary goal. Though, while the aim is to suppress war, things won't proceed so easily."
"That goes without saying. If wars could be ended so easily, they would have vanished long ago."
"That is why I want your cooperation, Reye. If you truly wish to live here in seclusion, I won't force you. But I would at least like you to lend us your wisdom."
"...I see. I understand what you are saying, Brother. Could you give me some time to think about it?"
Reye is clearly aware of his responsibility to protect Anna and Riri. He isn't a foolish tyrant who makes decisions without listening to those around him; he avoids making a definitive statement here. He is thinking it through properly.
"What is it, Reye? Is there a problem?"
"No, Sister. I cannot decide this on my own. And if I cooperate with you and Brother, it means we will inevitably be dragged into future troubles, doesn't it?"
"Well, that is true, but..."
Indeed, cooperating with us means being pulled into the problems to come. But since we’ve already met, avoiding the fallout is likely impossible.
"If I give an answer too easily, it would call my character into question. Brother, could you give me a little time? I need time to judge the situation for myself."
"That’s only natural. Take your time to think. Tell you what—I’ll take you to see the dungeons we’re building."
"Yes, please. No matter how much I hear about it, or what my sister says, I need to see it with my own eyes."
"Right. That’s an important mindset to have."