第２５７堀：反省会と調査結果と今後の動き (Part2)
"……We were toyed with by Yuki."
"Nn, affirmation. Yuki used us as the opening act and humiliated us..."
What are you talking about?
Could you please not phrase it like I’m some kind of deviant?
And could you stop with the fake sobbing?
"Oh my, both of you were so eager to outdo Yuki’s production, weren't you?"
"Ah, I admire the enthusiasm, but you're dealing with the big brother here, after all."
Ah, so that’s where it went.
But honestly, there was no way the two of them could surpass my production, so I just used them as the opening act...
"Well, Yuki’s mean streak is the root cause, so you should properly apologize to them."
"Indeed. While fireworks made of magic might lead to improvements in a different direction for mages, it is a fact that they were treated as an opening act. If this were anyone else, they’d be storming in to settle the score."
As Ratz said this, everyone nodded.
Geez, what am I supposed to do then?
"……Next time, you will ravish me."
"Nn, I agree. It’s my first time, so I’m excited."
...You’re going in that direction?
And Cleena, you’re awfully motivated, aren't you? What is this?
"Listen well, Cleena. Yuki-san is a bit of a coward, so if you don't make your intentions clear, he’ll leave you be for over half a year. You need to approach him with the resolve to pin him down."
"Nn, understood, Master Eris."
"But, if you push too hard, your first time will be painful, so make sure to gauge things properly. If you overdo it, Yuki-san will hesitate to go for a second round."
"I’m learning. But, I don’t think it will be painful when Yuki puts his inside. It should feel good."
"Indeed. Yuki-san’s is meant for loving us, so in the end, it will definitely feel wonderful. So, don't rush and do your best."
"My ideal and goal is to stay connected all night, just like Master Eris."
You were watching!?
I mean, you're talking about last night, right!?
"……For now, I understand what you both want. So, let’s move on to the issue of mana depletion. That’s the main topic, after all."
If we keep talking like this, I’m going to end up having to give a live demonstration right here.
Let’s get straight to the point.
"Well, fine. Kaya and Cleena, report back once Yuki has properly taken care of you. For some reason, this man is passive when it comes to these things."
"……Shy."
"Nn, understood, Seraria."
Tch, they really put the pressure on me.
If I don't do it within the next few days, I’ll be hung out to dry, and my quota will probably double.
"Now, regarding the answer you and Taiki reached—I heard from Narjia-san that it is theoretically possible. However, constructing and activating a magic circle that covers almost the entire continent is impossible unless done intentionally."
That’s right. While the summer festival was going on, I used it as a smokescreen to secretly mobilize Narjia-san and various other intellectuals, making sure no one realized what we were doing.
If we don't strictly seal the information regarding mana depletion, the whole world could become our enemy.
"I have something to add to that conversation."
"What is it, Zargis?"
"Seraria-sama, Narjia-san’s explanation is both correct and incorrect. It is true that if a magic circle isn't drawn properly, it will malfunction and become difficult to use, but that doesn't mean it won't work at all. Well, by Narjia-san’s standards, it only counts as 'complete' if it functions as an enchantment."
"What do you mean? Be concise."
"In other words, since there haven't been any clearly visible results until now, it is highly likely that it has been operating accidentally. You see, even on our continent, we were surrounding the demons in the form of the 'Four Divine Beasts' that Taiki-dono mentioned. The results haven't been as obvious, but as you approach our demon nation, the Kingdom of Last, you encounter more powerful monsters, don't you?"
"……I see. So we were unconsciously activating magic circles as well?"
"Yes. The effects are negligible. But we know that it has not only magical effects but physical ones as well. Whether it’s the Six Great Nations or our own Five Great Nations, as long as great nations exist like this, there is inevitably travel between them. As a result, monsters on the roads connecting the countries are eliminated, and those that survive have no choice but to gather in the center or flee to the outskirts."
"……That’s right. We were creating a situation where mana could easily gather, physically as well."
That’s right. Narjia-san and Zargis’s explanation made it clear. It’s the effect of a physical magic circle.
And this applies to Earth as well.
Even if it’s not a literal magic circle, roads are laid out everywhere, and animals have their habitats restricted.
On Earth, we’ve built a siege net unconsciously, and as a result, animals come down into human settlements, causing problems.
There’s no need to answer which era—now or the past—had more sightings of wild animals.
Actually, in the city, you hardly see any wild animals at all.
...No, the city is already an environment where most wild animals can no longer survive.
Everyone is listening intently, as if they understand the implications.