第１５５掘：おや、魔物の様子が？
**Dungeon 155: Oh, Is the Monster Acting Strange?**
Side: Yuki
"Hey, give it your all! You’re a kid who can do it if you try!"
"...No, it’s impossible. The magical energy leakage is too fast."
I really didn't want to hear complaints from Surakichi-san, one of the top-tier monsters in the Weed monster army.
"No, please just accept reality. I don't know if it's classified as a magical creature or a monster, but since it's having its magical energy drained away entirely, it probably can't maintain its physical form."
"Big Brother, please send Surakichi back to Weed. He looks like he's in pain, doesn't he?"
Damn it, if Aslin says that, I don't have a choice...
"Alright, I'll leave Weed to you."
"Yeah, it's fine over there, I can handle anything."
That’s true; even the Demon Lord couldn't literally lift a finger against him. I watched as Surakichi-san vanished back into the ruins.
After that meeting, I had confirmed that calls could connect with Seraria and the others, and had them send some monsters over. However... it turned out that magical lifeforms—things like slimes, ghosts, and formless beings that maintain their bodies with magical energy—rapidly lost their energy and dissipated if they were level 50 or below.
For now, I sent the surviving magical lifeforms back immediately and had Surakichi-san, the top of the line, run an experiment. Even for him, three hours was the limit for activity on this New Continent.
"Does this mean the Fairy race is in danger?"
"Likely. The Fairy race is primarily composed of magical energy."
I was glad I hadn't brought Narjia-san or Covil along.
"That's how it is..." I gently placed a hand on the monster's shoulder.
"What do you mean, 'that's how it is'!!"
"Well, as you can see with Surakichi-san, you're the only one left who can lead on the front lines."
"There are plenty of others! Why me?!"
"Because the others would likely be objects of terror."
On this New Continent, due to the magical energy depletion, monsters are extremely scarce. You might see a goblin if you enter the forest, but apparently, even orcs are almost non-existent. In fact, orcs are sometimes captured and put on display as curiosities. Because of that, the Orc unit could work, but I didn't call them because it would be too much of a hassle. Naturally, magical lifeforms like Dullahan are out of the question. And if I called Mino-chan, the Blood Minotaur, he’s apparently a legendary-class monster that would likely trigger the formation of an extermination army.
"Well, do your best. Get the defense network set up in about a week. I'll leave the plan to you."
"That's terrible!! That's so little time! You're dumping the defense plan on me?!"
"It's not like you can't do it. I've taught you plenty of things until now. Oh, and the goal is to be able to protect this village."
"I mean, I can do it, sure, but isn't something wrong here?!"
"I know what you want to say, but I'm facing plenty of unreasonable things too. Give it up. It's a superior's order—at least you have someone to hold a grudge against, right?"
"...Somehow, I'm sorry."
"I'll make sure to add a special expedition bonus to your salary."
"I'll do my best. ...Um, Boss, you do your best too."
"If you want to sympathize, take my place."
"I refuse. Well, I have work to do, so I'm off!!"
Tch, he ran away. Well, this should handle the defense.
"What do you think?"
"Indeed. The monsters sent this time are goblins led by General Steve, but since there are only fifty or so to avoid agitating the villagers, it will be tough if the enemy attacks in full force."
"Once the Elder wraps up the talks, I'll call for reinforcements quickly. Well, if I don't have to protect the villagers, I'll just defend the dungeon. Even if there were ten thousand of those Zilba Empire soldiers who came earlier, they wouldn't be a match for us."
"Normally, one would be crushed by numbers... but common sense doesn't apply to Weed's soldiers. We still don't have complete information on the New Continent, but we'll manage somehow. If any problem arises, we can at least run away."
If I couldn't even do that much, I'd pull out of the New Continent immediately. I don't want to die, and I don't want to worry my wives.
"Man, it's a pain that I can't use the dungeon's functions."
"No, it's just that we've had it too easy until now."
Zargis is right, but building a defense network with only fifty people is going to be rough.
"Steve will probably submit the defense materials by tomorrow, and in the worst case, we'll use firearms to defend this place."
"Those peerless weapons from another world, huh... If we use those for defense, it won't fall unless something truly extraordinary happens."
If it's just for defense, it should be fine. The cheat that is modern weaponry is very difficult to handle. The tanks used in Rumel were the same; the person who used them couldn't move at all. The fact that anyone can use them has the potential to spread conflict even further. That's why management must be strict. Well, Rumel doesn't seem to have the power to produce them, so they chose to keep the ability-user named Tanaka out of the public eye and keep him as a trump card.
I have to handle modern weapons so that the same thing doesn't happen to me. In my case, I can order them through DP. Oh, I found out during the magical energy experiment that things ordered with DP aren't composed of magical energy. Since they are the real deal created by Luna with her own power, they aren't affected by the magical energy depletion. They will be weapons that boast unparalleled strength on this New Continent. If they were ever stolen, it would be bad—and if those weapons started being produced, the New Continent would turn into a miniature World War from Earth.
"However, how should we manage them..."
"We can't use the dungeon's functions for searching or surveillance. I suppose it's down to strict management: using permits for everything via document submission, face-to-face handovers, and keeping the storage under heavy guard?"
"That's about it, isn't it..."
As expected, the danger increases without the cheat of a dungeon... The modern world handled this well, but the security measures were all outrageous. I don't have that kind of knowledge, so I can't build that kind of system here. No, I might be able to in the future, but right now, it's impossible no matter how you look at it. Should I create a security department for Weed within the scientific research team? No, that's impossible. Zargis has only managed to light a bulb with electricity so far. Even I only have a vague understanding of the structure after taking apart a radio. Trying to manufacture electronic components—the crystallization of modern technology—with this world's technology is fundamentally impossible.
"Is that all we can do... Come to think of it, where are the others?"
"They're just resting normally, look."
Ria, who was listening to our conversation, pointed a finger. In that direction...
"Grill the meat, the meat!!"
"That's right, that's right!! More, more, Tori!! I'm hungry!!"
"Eat your vegetables too, Mauve."
"I think Raiya-san is right? You have to eat a balanced diet."
They had brought out a barbecue set from somewhere and were eating grilled meat. Ah, they brought item bags instead of item boxes. Come to think of it, are they not affected by the magical energy depletion?
"It's mysterious. It seems that items created by utilizing magical energy can be used as they are?"
Zargis, having reached the same question, tilted his head.
"I wonder. Maybe their magical energy hasn't run out yet, or maybe they can be used until they're taken out..."
"I see, so that's a possibility."
"Or rather, how do magic tools keep working in the first place?"
"That varies. Some use magic stones from monsters like batteries, while others absorb magical energy from the air to work perpetually..."
"Right, there are many ways."
Hmm, this New Continent, where magical energy is depleted, is full of interesting discoveries. This will be enough data to make this world recognize the problem of magical energy depletion...
"Ah, my head is spinning... I want to throw it all away..."
"Please don't. The danger of creatures composed mostly of magical energy dying has become a reality. As a demon whose body has changed due to the amount of magical energy, this isn't someone else's problem."
"Ah, come to think of it, that was the case. So, how is your physical condition?"
"I feel a bit breathless, perhaps?"
"Hmm... Any status changes?"
"None so far."
"I'd like to think it's just my imagination..."
"Indeed. I'd appreciate it if I could wake up tomorrow."
"Eternal sleep, huh. In a sense, isn't that euthanasia?"
"I don't want to die, you see."
"I know, I know. For now, let's eat and prepare for tomorrow."
I said that and joined the others who were eating grilled meat in front of me. Ah, there seems to be a lot to think about...
As the New Continent arc progresses, with the question of "What is magical energy?" as the axis of the story, Yuki will find himself in the middle of a vortex of war, contrary to his wishes!! Good luck, Steve!! You're going to be worked to the bone from now on!!