第１５６掘：村の決断と対策 (Part2)
Their levels were absurdly high, to the point where their individual physical capabilities were just plain wrong.
Steve, for instance, had even trained the current Allied generals like Seraria, Crack, and Dest. Well, in Seraria’s case, he’d just been accosted by her—that wife of mine is a battle junkie, after all.
Even if they were surrounded, leaping away to safety was child's play for them. And if they could escape that easily, they could just as well stay and grind the enemy into dust.
That was the reason people said the goblins of Weed were no mere goblins.
But a mercenary company, huh?
What should I do? Should I just play along with that for now?
"Well, it doesn't matter whether you lot are a mercenary company or not. Since you've captured the soldiers of the Zilba Empire, you'll likely be branded as enemies throughout this entire region."
"Then why don't we just execute all of them? It would be safer for the village, wouldn't it?"
"That is exactly what the defense plan I mentioned is for. We want to be liberated from the terror of the Zilba Empire while you are still here. That is why we intend to take half of the survivors as hostages and release the other half, so we can engage the Zilba Empire in a full-scale conflict."
Oh, give me a break.
"You lot seem to be traveling for your own reasons, but as long as that Zilba Empire remains, you won't be able to walk freely across this continent. We, too, will reach out to the other surviving beastmen to gather our strength. Won't you please lend us your power?"
"…And yet, you've already let some of them escape, haven't you?"
"Oh my, you caught me. Please, forgive me. If we let you go now, we would have no choice but to keep running forever. We believe this is our last chance to survive on this continent."
Damn it, it always ends up like this.
"Sigh. Well, we have to protect these ruins anyway... Are you guys okay with this?"
I turned around to look at everyone behind me.
"Yeah."
"Sure, sounds good."
And so on—everyone was eager to join in.
Since there was no turning back now, I accepted the Elder’s proposal—which was meant to be a threat, though it didn't really function as one—and explained the situation to the group staying behind...
"Oh my, congratulations. You're practically a king of a nation now. As your wife, I’m happy for you. And of course, for the child in my belly, too."
"My, my. For a big brother, you’re acting fast, but I suppose you’ve finally decided to put in some effort."
"Please, I beg of you, ensure the improvement of the status and the safety of my fellow elves."
"Ugh, war... I want to help too!! I’ve been stuck at home lately, it’s so boring!"
"Now, now, you’ll upset the baby, Deryu. Rurua is holding back her desire to go too, so you should as well..."
"Nngghhh!!"
"Master. I don’t care about anything as long as you and our companions are safe. Please, even if you are a doppelganger, take care of your body. If anything happens, I will use recovery magic immediately, so please come back to me!!"
"I, too, pray for everyone’s safety. And Master, please seize the glory. You have already achieved enough to deserve it. I will properly look after the main bodies of you all while you sleep at home, so please, go wild to your heart’s content."
Everyone seemed to be in favor.
"Alright, Steve. The Zilba Empire will likely attack within a month, so I’m leaving the defense strategy to you. Here’s the data. Make sure you revise it properly."
"Haaaah!?"
Just give up.
I have my own tasks, like handling the transport procedures from Weed and negotiating with the Elder.
Since this is basically your line of work, you’ll be fine.
"Ah, I also need to gather information... but it looks like I’ll have to go with only the humans for that... what a pain."
And so, we are being dragged into a war whether we like it or not.
To make matters worse, we can’t use the dungeon’s search and detection functions, which far exceed modern technology.
Even with our cheat-like abilities, a bitter struggle is inevitable!! Perhaps?
Good luck, Steve!! You’re probably better off than Yuki is.