第２２０掘：各報告 (Part2)
These holes are scattered all throughout the forest, and they are all filled with water.
"Alright, my turn."
I cast my specialty, flame magic, over the water...
*Ssssss...*
Steam billowed out, spreading across the area. Yes, I had generated artificial fog. Incidentally, since I had just heated the water, it was still quite warm. By skillfully manipulating the wind, I ensured the fog filled only the forest, robbing the enemy of their vision. We Beastmen would then use our specialized senses to take them down and seize their supplies. Since Sweet wasn't a dungeon, we had to resort to these kinds of methods.
"…I leave the rest to you."
"Yeah, leave it to me."
"We'll handle the defense."
We entered the fog-covered forest. Of course, it would be difficult for us to eliminate the many enemies scattered throughout the woods without a dungeon map. That’s why I brought along about fifty Shadow Snakes—the same ones from the Demon Lord’s castle siege. They specialize in stealth and can function even on this mana-depleted continent. We had them disperse into the forest before I even cast the fog, so between the snakes and the mist, the enemy must be in total chaos. Our job was to raid the main force and steal their supplies.
We pushed through the fog. For normal people, the lack of visibility would make movement difficult, but we Beastmen have sharper hearing and smell than humans. It’s because of these specialized abilities that we can maintain a village in such a remote location. If one or two people were holding their breath, we wouldn't notice them in a forest this vast, but the main force consisted of over two thousand soldiers. The Shadow Snakes were likely handling the scattered groups, and the main force was easy enough to track.
"Kaya-san, I hear voices."
"Hm, let's take a look."
We heard loud voices coming from what seemed to be the enemy's main camp, so we hid ourselves and strained our ears.
"What on earth is happening?! First snake monsters, and now this fog?! Since when has the Betan region changed so much!?"
"Reporting! Half of our deployed units have been taken out by those snake monsters!"
"What? It hasn't even been two hours since the last report! How many of them are lurking in there?"
"Judging by the speed, I’d say no fewer than three hundred..."
"Damn it! So the rumors about monsters spawning from the ruins were true. At this rate, Sweet might already be destroyed. Either way, we can't move effectively like this. We’re pulling out of this region before we suffer more losses and regrouping with the main army! Call back the surviving scouts!"
"Yes, sir!"
With that, the commotion grew even louder. If they did that, they’d just get caught by the Shadow Snakes' detection. Ah, but since we told them not to touch the main force, I suppose that’s a clever move on their part.
"Kaya-san, it would be pointless if they retreated without us taking their supplies."
"Yeah. The Shadow Snakes and the fog worked a little too well. Let's hurry and seize the goods."
There are only fifty of them, so why are they reporting such inflated numbers like three hundred? ...Oh, right, their levels were low. I guess dealing with level 130 Shadow Snakes was too much for them.
"Then, as planned?"
"Exactly. It’s easier to work while they’re in a panic..."
We donned the armor left behind by the Enaria army during the collapse and blended into the enemy ranks. Shera is a bit short, but there are boy soldiers, so she didn't stand out enough to draw attention. The enemy was so confused they didn't even notice us infiltrating.
"Hey, you lot! Get ready to transport the supplies!"
"Yes!"
"Understood."
What a sloppy guard. Well, I suppose it just goes to show how busy they are.
"However, with this many people around, seizing the supplies will be a forced operation, won't it?"
"Hmm, I'll have the Shadow Snakes create a diversion."
"Right. Everyone, I'm counting on you."
At Shera's word, the Shadow Snakes waiting nearby swarmed in all at once. There were only seven or eight of them, but...
"Waaaaaaahhh!!"
The effect was more than enough.
"Alright, let's grab the supplies and get out of here."
"Yes, Aslin and the others are waiting."
We snatched the supplies in the ensuing chaos and returned safely. According to the report from the Shadow Snakes who caught up with us later, it was made to look like the supplies had been eaten by the snakes. This likely kept it hidden that we were the ones who repelled them. Though, I imagine the others are probably causing quite a ruckus elsewhere.
***
**side: Yuki**
"And so, it seems the enemy cleanup is going smoothly."
Labyris was peering at the report I was holding, still perched on my shoulders.
"As expected of everyone. But what about the monster unit? That’s the biggest battlefield, right?"
That’s right. While my wives are working in safe areas, the real hot zone is the site of the collapse. They’ve mobilized ten thousand troops to try and secure the area. I had no choice but to put Mino-chan in charge as the commander, with John as his deputy. I left the interior of the dungeon to Surakichi-san.
"The surveillance units have returned safely, and it wouldn't be a problem to withdraw, but I want to do something about the supplies that army has. Plus, I’m curious to see how they handle a legendary Minotaur."
"Oh, poor thing. Mino-chan doesn't really like fighting, does he?"
"That’s exactly why I put him in charge as the commander. He won't do anything reckless. John, on the other hand, looks like he’s about to snap over someone insulting his vegetables."
"...Wait, didn't he build a cucumber patch in the dungeon where the Enaria army is?"
"Yeah. He doesn't feel right unless he's growing something."
"And Steve?"
"Worrying about him is a waste of time. When it comes down to it, his command and judgment are top-tier; he's genuinely useful. Goblins really are strong if you raise them right."
"True. I never thought he'd become that strong."
Well, I'm looking forward to seeing how Steve and Mino-chan handle this—they've been with me even longer than my wives. Of course, I told them that if the enemy is too strong, they’re free to retreat.
With that, the next chapter will feature a massive battle for the Monsters. And it’s a battle between monsters only. Does everyone remember Mino-chan? The Blood Minotaur who used to handle things with pit traps. He’s completely laid-back now, though.