第２１４掘：忘れ去られそうな者たち (Part1)
**Dungeon Excavation 214: The Forgotten Ones**
**Side: Horst, Lord of Betan Town**
Before me lay a massive crater, the result of what must have been a catastrophic collapse.
"So, it’s true..."
"Indeed..."
Beside me, General Mist, who had arrived after receiving reports that 120,000 Enaria soldiers had been swallowed by the collapse, stood as stunned as I was.
"At this point, pursuing them would be more dangerous than anything else, wouldn't it?"
"I suspect so. According to Yuki’s report, a surprising number of them managed to survive, but we can only see a few hundred enemy corpses here. The rest must have fled into the ruins."
We concluded that it would be reckless for our force of 5,000 to challenge an army of over ten thousand inside those ruins. Initially, after hearing reports from the goblins, I had intended to coordinate with General Mist to whittle down the Enaria forces, but…
"To think they would make the decision to retreat into the ruins..."
"The enemy’s magic sword general doesn't seem like a fool. They aren't going to let us strike them unilaterally from above. Look, their scouts are already peeking out from the entrance."
"Descending would be dangerous now."
"If we tried, the Enaria army would surely form a defensive line below. We might be able to thin their ranks with arrows and fire, but..."
"Once they are braced for it, the effectiveness will be minimal."
In our current situation, "minimal" is an understatement; we would likely suffer heavy losses. After all, they have magic sword users among their ranks.
"Now then, what shall we do?"
"Let’s see. For now, we will station a surveillance unit and return to town. I doubt the enemy will strike immediately, but we cannot rule out the possibility that these ruins connect elsewhere. We cannot ignore the risk that while we are watching this spot, they might attack the town from a different location."
"True..."
This entrance is not necessarily the only one. It would be far too convenient to assume the Enaria army, having fled into the ruins, is only concerned with escaping from this specific point. If I were in their shoes, I would be searching for other exits as well.
"According to Yuki’s report, the enemy’s supply units that weren't caught in the collapse are retreating, and reinforcements will likely arrive soon. It wouldn't be wise to get too caught up with the trapped enemy and end up being struck from the rear. We went to the trouble of building significant fortifications in anticipation of their arrival; we should avoid open-field battles like this where we cannot utilize them."
"Naturally."
General Mist is correct. As things stand, there is nothing we can do here. However, remaining stationed here indefinitely is also ill-advised. Supplies are difficult to manage, and we risk being caught in a pincer attack by enemy reinforcements. If that’s the case, I would rather wait in Betan Town, where I can see the true power of the barbed wire defenses I’ve constructed.
"By the way, what of Yuki and his group? Their input is invaluable..."
"Yuki-dono was defending this position with a small force, so he is currently resting in his tent. Unless it is an emergency, I would like to wait for him to wake. He has been here for about five days, monitoring the area and eliminating soldiers who tried to climb out."
"…I see. Then we shall wait here until they wake."
Hoh. General Mist is, in theory, Yuki-dono’s superior, yet this attitude shows he truly respects their capabilities. It is rare to find someone so willing to place trust in others, even after a defeat. He is a man of great character.
"Still, I wonder what the Enaria army is doing inside those ruins..."
"Even a scrap of information would be welcome."
It isn't about how far they’ve explored the ruins, but rather the state of their army—their attrition, their remaining supplies. To know the enemy’s condition, compare it to one’s own, and then decide on a strategy—it is common sense, yet almost no one can actually execute it. Conversely, if one can, victory is all but assured. Information is the most vital asset of all.
"Leave the surveillance to the soldiers. Let us return to the camp and get some rest."
"Agreed."
General Mist turned and headed back toward the camp. I followed, but paused for a moment to look back at the ruins.
*If only we could monitor what’s happening inside… No, I shouldn't rely on such convenient fantasies. I must find a realistic path forward.*
Indeed, my territory has been managed through generations of steady, diligent effort. I must not seek an easy way out during this critical battle. Now, I shall rest my body until Yuki-dono wakes. I am certain that he will not make a decision that leads us toward ruin.
***
**Side: Agil, Enaria General, Magic Sword User of Lightning**
*Rustle, rustle…*
Hmm. Something’s noisy. And I was sleeping so well…
Disturbed from my slumber, I opened my eyes, feeling quite unpleasant.
"Hey! Bring some water over here!"
"Got it. Where should I take it?"
"To the food storage area…"
Oh? It seems I had been sleeping on the grass, away from the main path where the soldiers were bustling about. Looking around, I saw not only those soldiers but many others moving to and fro. Some were carrying treasure chests, others food instead of water, and I even spotted some soldiers covered in wounds.
"Hmm? Wait, where am I?"
"What are you mumbling about? We’re inside the dungeon, obviously."
Oh, I recognize that voice from behind me. Without turning around, I just flopped backward. The grass felt like a nice cushion, which was quite pleasant.
"Ah, right. I remember now. This grass is so comfortable, I just drifted off."
"Honestly, you said you were going to check the perimeter and then didn't come back, so I’ve been looking for you."
"My bad, my bad. But look, the weather is so nice."
I said that and looked up toward where the ceiling should have been. There was no ceiling—only a clear blue sky, a few clouds, and the sun shining down on us.
"…True. It’s a massive mystery why there’s a sky, clouds, and a sun when we’re supposed to be underground, but I’ll admit the weather is nice."
"Anyway, sorry. Since you were looking for me, does that mean there’s been some progress?"
"Ah, right. Could you come to the tent for a moment?"
"Sure."
It was my fault for taking a nap, so I quickly stood up and followed Prism. Still, I remember how surprised we all were when we first stepped into this first floor. Or was it different? Back then, we were desperately retreating from the slimes, and it was only after we caught our breath that we were shocked, wasn't it?
Actually, Prism even thought we had managed to escape outside.
As I walked, I picked up a random pebble and tossed it toward the sky.