第２５７堀：反省会と調査結果と今後の動き (Part3)
"And that situation has been continuing for over 400 years. Even if, as Taiki-dono says, this is a region with depleted magical energy. No, if this magic circle is the cause of that depletion, it wouldn't be strange for monstrous entities to exist here. In fact, our experiments show that the magical energy consumption near the academy isn't twenty times higher; it's on par with our own continent. In other words, it’s proof that the magic circle is functioning and gathering energy. Now, regarding the storage capacity in question—even if it’s a minuscule accumulation, considering the span of 400 years, the total must be astronomical. We are still investigating, but given the passage of time, it wouldn't be surprising if the accumulation were to release at any moment, birthing an ultimate monster or a legion of formidable beasts that could trample every nation."
That possibility is something we must consider—or rather, the members here aren't so foolish as to be optimistic and ignore it.
"…That is a grave issue. And you, you have Kirika and the others investigating the Forest of Monsters, correct? What is the status of that?"
"I have them on it, but they're only using scouting skills. It hasn't turned into a dungeon yet, so the investigation hasn't progressed that far. However, the monsters deep in that forest are all rare specimens for this continent."
Saying this, I send a list of the monsters identified in our investigation to everyone via call.
"…Ugh, three Orc settlements? Over 400 in number? This would be a major problem even on the Weed continent. There are Kings and Queens among them."
"…The Wyvern was just for show. There’s even a Rock Golem."
"Yuki-san, is it true that there’s a Basilisk? If so, that’s a level that requires the Adventurer Guild to organize a subjugation squad."
The members who primarily belong to the adventurer faction are voicing their disbelief.
Well, the fact that Orcs have gathered in such numbers means there's a possibility that higher-tier Kings or Queens have been born, and a Rock Golem is a type of magical construct that can only be defeated by being pulverized. If a Wyvern and a Rock Golem were to clash, the Wyvern’s chances of winning through brute force and weight are slim. As for the Basilisk, it’s a massive serpent that sprays venom; it’s a nasty enemy that turns people to stone, a staple in games back on Earth.
"…Just a rough check and we find this. At this level, Roschur would be on high alert and organizing a subjugation force. If a leader-type capable of commanding monsters emerges, the damage would be catastrophic. Why hasn't the academy subjugated them?"
"I'd have to ask the Principal in detail to know for sure, but subjugation quests have been posted. They've likely placed restrictions on going deeper. Since they know Wyverns are there, if they have any sense at all, they wouldn't go poking a hornet's nest."
"…I see. Ah, but even if they were subjugated, the magical energy would just disperse and turn into monsters again, so perhaps not subjugating them is the correct choice in a sense? There was an experimental report about that, wasn't there?"
"Yeah, about rare species and variants, right? Looking at the reports on Great Monster Outbreaks, it seems that powerful individuals are often born or massive swarms occur after excessive culling."
"Neither culling too much nor too little is good. It's difficult, isn't it?"
"Nature is just like that."
Matters related to magical energy circulation are akin to nature itself. You cannot control nature to suit your own convenience. We just have to find a way to coexist with it.
"So, Peace, do you remember hearing anything about my story?"
"No, I apologize. When that person said it was fine, I didn't probe any deeper."
"I figured as much..."
I had told Peace the reason I theorized for why the predecessor was cut down, but it seems she has no memory related to that. Well, Peace is a subordinate monster; there was no reason for her to press the issue.
"Should I ask Swia and Kishua after all?"
"I would advise against that. If, by some chance, they heard it incompletely and cut down the predecessor based on a misunderstanding… they would commit suicide. Because all their resolve and feelings until now would lose their meaning. Including the life of the predecessor they took, and the lives of many others—it wouldn't be a level of 'Oh, it was a misunderstanding. Sorry.' If I had cut you down for the sake of my own justice, only to find out it was a mistake, a misunderstanding, I wouldn't be able to stay sane. I think I would stab myself to death."
"Stop it. I'd be in trouble if you committed suicide. You're a good candidate for administrator of the New Continent."
"That's for the best. Even if we do tell them, we should do it after setting the stage. From my perspective, they are amateurs who I truly cannot believe served as top-tier politicians. They’ve lived their lives solely on the power of the Holy Sword and ideals, haven't they? It will be a struggle to whip them back into shape."
Damn it, so getting confirmation is difficult after all…
"Well, the Principal seems to have a connection with the Holy Sword users, so we have no choice but to attack from that angle."
"I'm monitoring that side, so if there's any movement, I'll go to suppress it. Now, the remaining problem is…"
"The method for us to intervene if we end up on the back foot and problems arise in each country?"
"Yeah."
"As of now, we are mercenaries hired directly by the King of Zilba. Well, it doesn't matter to us, but for other countries, this title is both welcome and a nuisance, isn't it?"
That's right. We can walk into friendly nations with our heads held high, but we can't approach hostile ones. In other words, if a problem arises in a hostile nation, we have no choice but to abandon them. Now that the accumulation of magical energy has been confirmed, we must avoid recklessly seizing land and consuming that energy. Therefore, we can't just have a hero appear and solve everything in a flash, and if we hide our identities, we can't act openly in those countries. If our true colors are revealed, there's a possibility of war with hostile nations. We can't be the ones to create a situation that might cause magical energy to disperse.
"If only we had an acquaintance, we could use them as a connection to get in…"
"That wouldn't work unless the other party is of considerable status, right?"
"That is true…"
As Seraria and I fall into a brief silence, Cleena speaks up.
"In that case, I can be of use. My magic mentor is famous in the country. As an acquaintance of mine, we can enter the August Kingdom."
"Are you sure, Cleena? You'd be utilizing your own position?"
"Mm, no problem. Helping and supporting my husband is a wife's duty. Besides, if we don't take countermeasures, there's a possibility that my birthplace will cease to exist. Please, help."
Saying this, Cleena bows her head to everyone.
"How wonderful. Of course, there is no reason for us to refuse a request from a fellow wife. Right?"