第２５６堀：嫌な真実かも？ (Part2)
"Then there isn't even a starting point. It’s not functioning as a magic circle at all. I mean, it might provide a bit of psychological comfort, but that’s about it. You know, did you know that in Tokyo—or rather, Edo—there were shrines modeled after the Four Symbols?"
"Ah, you mean the Four Symbols configuration, right?"
The Four Symbols: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise. Many people have likely heard the names. They are divine beasts said to guard the four cardinal directions. It might be a bit of a misnomer, but it’s a type of good-luck charm incorporating elements like Feng Shui. The concept has been documented since the Heian period, and the story goes that shrines named after these four symbols exist in Edo to protect the city.
"Exactly. Since it’s considered the 'protection of Edo,' I’m saying it might provide some peace of mind."
"I see. So it’s not about summoning something, but about protection."
"Yes. I don’t know what the divine beasts of this New Continent are, but if there’s a faith in Six Gods, then this magic circle is likely for protection, don't you think?"
"That makes sense. But is there anything in the academy that needs protecting?"
"Well, there aren't any strange magical reactions. Maybe it’s just forgotten because it’s only for peace of mind? Speaking of strange, the only thing is that the monsters are concentrated in this area."
"Don't tell me... monster protection?"
"Hard to say. If the predecessor was intentionally gathering monsters, you could interpret it as protection, but I don't know the purpose."
The predecessor, huh? Should I force the information out of Sia and Kishua? But forcing them might sow the seeds of resentment when I eventually leave this New Continent to them. Even if I give an order, I don't know how long that order will remain valid. There’s no such thing as an absolute, eternal constraint; I want their friendship and trust.
Wait, hold on. If the predecessor 400 years ago held the real power over the six great nations, their name should be easy to find, right? Why is there no information?
"What’s wrong, Yuki-san?"
"No, I just feel like my premise might be wrong..."
"About the magic circle?"
"No, about the person who supposedly created it."
"Eh? Wasn't it the predecessor?"
"No, if the predecessor created it, that means they intentionally built the six great nations. There would be no reason to make them skirmish. They could have just moved people into the dungeon or demanded sacrifices. I mean, would someone really go out of their way to weaken the six sources of revenue they actually control?"
"Ah, I see. I don't know how long the six great nations have existed, but there’s certainly no reason to waste human lives and resources."
"If they were conducting experiments, I could understand, but then they got backstabbed by their own people, right? Would someone capable of founding six great nations and arranging them for a magic circle really get taken out like that?"
"...That doesn't add up. If they built six nations, they should know how to manage subordinates. I think they would have been taken out long before someone could backstab them."
"Right? For now, I need to ask Luna how many years ago the predecessor took office."
"Agreed. If we know the exact timeframe, we can tell if it was intentional or if they were just utilizing something that was already there."
I contacted Luna, and the reply came back immediately. It was 443 years ago.
"...It doesn't seem like the predecessor created this magic circle."
"Indeed. Considering that era, it was probably just one person and the Holy Sword Users doing their best. They weren't earning a fortune by bringing people into the dungeon like you, Yuki-san."
"True. For now, this large-scale magic circle wasn't intentional; it formed by coincidence. Even if someone was aiming for it, they’re likely already dead."
"I suppose so. So, is it just a meaningless magic circle after all?"
"But for that to be the case, magic power is accumulating in the academy area, which is essentially the center. I think it’s definitely active..."
"Hmm, a magic circle with no real harm. Or rather, it’s just gathering magic power..."
"Wait a second, Taiki-kun, what did you just say?"
"Eh, a magic circle with no real harm?"
"No, after that."
"Just gathering magic power?"
"Yes, that’s it!!"
I understood. The reason the predecessor had a falling out with the Holy Sword Users, and the reason they apologized to Peace. Well, I might be off, but I’m quite confident.
"What do you mean?"
"It was the opposite. The predecessor wasn't trying to use the magic circle; they were trying to destroy it."
"...Ah!! Even if it was a coincidence, if the magic circle is functioning, it gathers magic power on its own. From a Dungeon Master's perspective, it wouldn't be strange to see that as a cause for magic depletion!!"
"Exactly. But here’s the problem. The way to destroy this magic circle is..."
"We would need to destroy one of the six great nations, right?"
"Yeah. The predecessor must have been troubled by that, too. Since there was no concrete proof, they couldn't easily decide to take so many lives. And that information was passed on to their subordinates, the Holy Sword Users, in an incomplete, fragmented way."