第２０８掘：おまけたちの決断 (Part2)
Information is scarce, but strategically, we might be able to manage if we utilize the dungeon.
No, if we don't flee into the dungeon, there is a possibility of total annihilation.
"Understood. Notify the entire army!! Half of you, start searching for the dungeon entrance immediately!! As soon as it's found, if it's accessible, the army will move into the dungeon. The other units are to gather supplies; stop fighting the slimes and conserve your strength!!"
"Yes, ma'am!!"
As a result, it didn't take long to discover a dungeon entrance. Conveniently, it led to a spacious area deep inside, free of monsters, capable of housing 120,000 soldiers.
Without hesitation, I ordered the entire army to advance into the dungeon and secured the location.
"A blessing in disguise. Even the slimes didn't follow us into the dungeon."
"Indeed. But we can't stay like this forever. It seems the follow-up supply unit was pushed back by an enemy ambush; about half managed to escape, but as for reinforcements from the Royal Capital..."
"The second wave of 100,000 is half a month away. Even if they speed up that schedule, it will take at least a week or two."
"The supplies we managed to secure aren't that plentiful. We can only sustain 120,000 soldiers for at most..."
"From what I hear, a week at most. It's reckless to pin our hopes on allies arriving in a week."
That's right. We cannot wait for such optimistic projections.
If so, instead of just sitting here waiting...
"I intend to begin the dungeon conquest from now. I think we should split into a unit to maintain this location and a unit to explore. What do you think?"
"That's our only option. You should give the exploration unit the highest priority order to secure food and water."
"Yes. If things go well, we might find an exit to the outside."
"I hope it goes well. So, what shall we do?"
"We'll observe for a while. If the soldiers hit a rough patch, we should go ourselves."
"Haa... I figured it would come to that. I wanted to research the dungeon at my own pace alone, though."
"Save that for after we've safely made it out alive. Right now, Agil, your knowledge is what we're relying on."
When I said that, Agil smiled very happily and gripped the hilt of her magic sword.
"I know, I know. Come on, let's start the dungeon conquest."
"I just told you, we're observing for a while."
"Eh, no?"
"No!!"
...I wonder if we'll be able to get out safely.
***
Side: Steve
"The enemies have started moving, Captain."
"...Ah, I heard. But there's no turn for us for a while. Britt, you should take a nap too. You were called in for an emergency, right?"
When I asked that, Britt nodded.
"That's right. But I was wondering what was going on, calling together the executives of the monster army."
"Well, it's a big deal for the Boss, after all."
"Well, that's true. It's definitely a big deal, but more like..."
"I know what you want to say, but it's impossible to expect ideals from the Boss. You've been with him as long as I have, Britt."
"I know that, but seeing the enemies like this, I feel pity for them."
Britt looked conflicted as he watched the magic sword users' desperate thoughts and actions on the screen.
"...Everything is moving exactly as the Boss predicted. Letting them eat supplies on purpose, forcing them to explore the dungeon. But don't you think he could cut them some slack around the time his own child is being born? Besides, if it's left to us, we, the managers, get busy."
"That's the real issue, isn't it? But the Boss doesn't have any leeway this time either. Look."
I said that and showed the surveillance screen of Weed.
『Seraria!!! I'm coming now!!!』
『Ah, Yuki-san!! You can fly directly to the hospital with the ring's effect... wait』
『He can't hear me anymore. ...Though it's strange for Yuki to be this flustered.』
『It's proof that he cherishes us. But we'll go by ring.』
『『Yes!!』』
Ria and Jessica, who were desperately chasing after him, were pitiful.
"Well, it's the most important time for the Boss, too. Since there are plenty of people, let's just munch on some cucumbers and work hard at this job."
"That's true. The Boss could stand to take it easier."
Saying that, John the Orc and Mino-chan the Blood Minotaur started crunching on cucumbers.
"No, I agree with the opinion that the Boss should take it easy, but stop with the cucumbers. I want to eat meat, man."
"You idiot, Steve. You'll get sick if you only eat meat like that. Eat the cucumbers. You'll get healthy."
"That's why I'm saying, eating *only* cucumbers is worse for your body!! Seriously, John, your race is turning into a Kappa!! You've got a dish on your head and everything!!"
"Hm? Unfortunately, I haven't turned into a Kappa, but I've become a race called a Vegetarian Orc."
"Hiii!! The fact that our monster races change based on our diet is too miraculous!!"
While I was screaming that, Britt and Mino-chan were eating cucumbers normally next to me.
Why can you guys eat so calmly!!
"How's it going over there? You're guarding the demi-human village, right?"
"Over here, there's nothing much to report. Mauve and the others are here, too. And you're guarding those magic sword users..."
"Ah, but that person is reasonably competent, so there aren't that many problems there either."
Ah, geez.
Why is it supposed to be an emergency, yet this space is so laid back!?
The magic sword users are advancing into the dungeon.
Waiting for them are the monsters Yuki has been with since the early days of the dungeon.
They're watching the match while eating cucumbers!!
But, they'll show up at the very end!!
Report: John the Orc's race has changed from Orc to Vegetarian Orc.
Eating vegetables increases all stats.
There is no cheat.
It is all for the love of cucumbers.
And Yuki is charging ahead.
For the sake of his precious wife.