第１５９掘：まっとうに戦いますよ？ 無論俺たちが戦いやすいようにな (Part2)
Dungeons are my specialty, and until they get close, they’ll be showered in the fire of modern weaponry. If we lose with all that, I’ll just run away.
"I understand your intentions well. I would like to hold a meeting for the time being, is that acceptable?"
"Fine by me. Actually, as long as you don't get in our way, you don't even need to report the results to us."
"What do you mean by 'get in our way'?"
"My daily life hasn't changed much over the last few days, but as for the battle against the enemy army that's coming, I have no intention of coordinating with you from the start. I can't watch the backs of people who are suspicious of us, and it’s more of a nuisance if you drag us down. It’s better if we just operate separately from the start."
"Hmm, indeed... I cannot keep up with your movements. Trying to coordinate clumsily would only be a hindrance, wouldn't it?"
"Unless we spend a full month practicing, we’re going to have hot-blooded people gathering here from other villages soon enough. You can just do your own thing over there."
"...There is some truth to what you say, but... in that case, we will leave the vanguard to you and focus on the village's defense. We shall observe the situation. If it looks like you will win, we will join the fray on our own accord. If it looks like you will lose, we might just leave the enemy to you and flee."
Good, that’s exactly as I planned.
"That’s fine, too. Just don't get in our way. As for running away, that’s nothing new. You already blocked our escape route by letting the prisoners go on your own, after all."
"..."
Leaving the silent elder behind, Ria and I walked out of the meeting area.
"Was that really okay?"
Ria seemed worried about the conversation we just had.
"Do you think we’re going to lose, Ria?"
"No, that’s not it. It’s supposed to be a cooperative effort, so shouldn't we have saved face for them? If we both act on our own, no matter the result... even if we win a crushing victory, it won't count as their achievement, will it?"
"That’s exactly the point. If they run away, we can capture the Zilba Empire soldiers and negotiate freely. Conversely, if they stay back and focus on defending the village until the end, they won't be able to look us in the eye anymore—especially considering their past rudeness. And if they try to get in our way using some flimsy excuse, I’ll just deal with them."
"Ah, so that’s why you said it was fine for them to stay in the back."
"Exactly. It’s important that they stay in the back on their own. The villagers and the outsiders haven't seen what we’re capable of. That’s why it’s important to intentionally divide the front lines between our mercenary group and the villager army this time."
Yes, the goal isn't just to show the enemy our strength; it’s also to demonstrate our prowess to the villagers and outsiders who are still suspicious of us.
If they run away, the rumor will spread that they abandoned us, and we’ll be able to bring the entire dungeon area under our control—a total win.
Conversely, if they watch from behind the whole time, they’ll see our power. They might not be won over in their hearts, but they won't be able to openly defy us anymore. They’ll recognize that we are the key to the battle.
My only concern is them coming out of the village defense while we’re fighting to steal the credit.
But I’ve already anticipated that and prepared the battlefield accordingly. If the villagers could break through that, the demi-humans wouldn't have been treated like this in the first place.
"But, it’s a month until they arrive... what shall we do?"
"No, you’ll be busy too, Ria. We have to conduct magic experiments."
Just because the enemy isn't here yet doesn't mean we have free time.
Beyond magic research, we need to go to the city of Fail to continue gathering information. Since we have cars, it only takes about a day to travel.
"For now, time is limited. Let’s do what we can. We have Weed to take care of, and I’m grateful for the month of breathing room."
"Now that you mention it, that’s true. It’s a relief that we have time to pay attention to the Last Kingdom—the old Demon King’s city—and the Rumel invasion force."
Well then, I wonder how hard the Wind Princess will work for us.
Man, Steve and the others are fired up for a large-scale battle for the first time in a while, so I hope she gives it her all.
Well then, the next chapter is war? I suppose.
Rejoice, it’s time for the classic, overpowered cheat-style battle!!