第２８１堀：偵察 (Part3)
"Yeah. It was a welcome choice for us, though. If they’d realized they couldn't win and scattered, it would have been a massive headache."
Even in the modern era, every country struggles with how difficult it is to prevent terrorist activities.
"Oh, does that mean the pitfall trap was also intended to gauge the capabilities of Ground Zero? No, I know we planned to have Steve and the others investigate, but you're also observing how Ground Zero itself reacts, aren't you?"
Ratz found a meaning beyond mere movement restriction in the act of dropping them into the pit.
"Exactly. Though, what we’re doing is no different from the sign we put up when we were hiding Rurua."
"Huh? The sign from back then and the current situation are the same?"
At my answer, Rurua, who had suffered the most from that incident, raised her voice. Then, Ratz nodded in realization.
"Ah, I see. In a sense, you're right."
"Um, what does that mean?"
"I told you about that time, didn't I? We deliberately put up that bizarre sign to see how the opponent would react."
"Yes. Oh, I see. The pitfall is just another way to test their reactions and grasp their abilities."
"Correct. By watching how Ground Zero reacts to falling into the pit and how it tries to get out, we gain incredibly valuable information."
Yes, as Ratz said, since a sign wouldn't reveal Ground Zero's capabilities, we use the pitfall to investigate. The important thing here is that it looks like a natural collapse. Since it’s waiting for us quietly, it shouldn't try to escape with any grand gestures. It would likely try to leave the pit as quietly and quickly as possible. After all, making a loud noise would defeat the purpose of hiding.
If things go well, I’d hope it dies from the fall damage, but... that’s unlikely.
For creatures on Earth, unless they are aquatic, the maximum size is that of an elephant—or, looking back at history, a dinosaur. Anything larger would collapse and die under its own weight. Well, since giant creatures like dragons ignore aerodynamics to fly, the chances of that are near zero.
If possible, I’d like it to crawl out. ...Please don't fly. If I’m being greedy, I’d love for it to become immobile.
"...So, while it's escaping the pit, you're going to have Steve and the others gather information?"
"Yeah. We can only get information indirectly through the animals, but Steve and his team are different."
"They’re going to take action against Ground Zero directly."
"That’s the plan. First, we see if their swords and clubs work. After that, assault rifles, and if we're lucky, maybe an RPG."
"...That sounds..."
"I think it's impossible. At best, they’ll manage to use the rifles. Alfin will definitely notice."
That’s why they’re disguised as wild goblins. If they catch the opponent off guard, Steve and his team can make a quick escape.
Then, a report came in from Steve.
*“This is Steve. Target confirmed from a tree at the 3km mark. Everyone is in position. Observation status is ready.”*
Everyone stared at the monitors. Steve and his team each had surveillance animals nearby.
"Understood. We’ve confirmed your positions. Initiating Phase 2. In five minutes, we will trigger the 'natural' collapse and drop the target. Prepare for the impact."
*“Understood. All units, Phase 2 in five minutes. Preparing for impact.”*
*“““Understood.”””*
During those five minutes, I set the pitfall, disguised as an underground water vein, directly beneath Ground Zero. The fortunate part is that the opponent hasn't realized the area is becoming a dungeon. Thanks to that, we can carry out the operation in secret.
However, these five minutes feel so long. The setup itself finishes instantly. All that’s left is for me to press 'Execute' and 'Deploy.' Everyone gathered in the conference room is waiting for that moment in silence.
...It wouldn't suddenly fire a heat ray and blow up the terrain to get out the moment it falls, would it? I’ve avoided placing Steve and his team in the area where the heat ray would be aimed, but it’s not a guarantee. What if the range of the heat ray is longer than I thought and it hits the Academy? What if Alfin, the Holy Sword User, dies from the fall damage and becomes an uncontrollable god of destruction?
Damn, nothing but bad premonitions are crossing my mind.
*“One minute remaining.”*
But the moment is definitely approaching.
"Thirty seconds."
I did what I could.
*“Twenty seconds.”*
We discussed it thoroughly together.
"Ten seconds."
...Then, I will believe.
*“Five, four, three...”*
In myself, and in my companions.
"Two, one, zero... Initiating Phase 2."
I press the button. Through the monitor, the ground cracks, and Ground Zero sinks... Dust clouds dance in the air.
"01, respond. 01, respond."
I immediately call Steve by his codename.
*“...This is 01. No particular damage. Starting status check on all units.”*
"Understood. We will check on the Holy Sword User in the meantime."
*“Understood.”*
I turn my gaze to the monitor. Where is it? It should have been near the back...
"Yuki-san. Monitor 3, far left."
Prompted by Riel, I immediately look at monitor 3.
...There it is. It’s not moving.
"...It’s not dead, is it?"
Riel asks, but no one answers. Looking at it, there’s no blood flowing, so there are no external wounds. But if a creature hits the wrong spot, it can drop dead in an instant. Plus, it was a surprise attack.
...It wouldn't be strange if someone said, "He has a beautiful face, just like a younger brother of some twins. But he's dead."
Since we are inside a dungeon, it’s not like I can’t use Appraisal. However, if Alfin happens to have sensory abilities and perceives it as a hostile act, that would be troublesome. That’s why we have no choice but to keep watching like this.
*“This is 01. All units confirmed safe. No issues. Please provide the status of the target.”*
A report comes in from Steve.
"This is Command. The target has successfully fallen into the pit. However, the Holy Sword User’s status is unknown due to the impact of the fall. We have visual confirmation, but no movement. Begin surveillance from your current location, with immediate withdrawal as the priority."
*“Understood. Maintaining current position and beginning surveillance.”*
...Is it alive? How long should I wait? If Ground Zero starts rampaging, Steve and the others might not be able to escape. Should I have them pull back? Various options rise and fall in my mind.
Damn it, please, just wake up.
Then, as if my wish was heard, Alfin, the Holy Sword User, lifts his body and shakes his head.
"““*Phew*.””"
Everyone in the conference room breathes a sigh of relief. As expected of someone with such a high level. Looking at him, he doesn't seem to be in pain, so he was likely just knocked unconscious.
"This is Command. Survival of the Holy Sword User confirmed. We expect the target to take action soon. Please continue surveillance with extreme caution."
*“Understood. All units, survival of the Holy Sword User confirmed. The target may move, exercise extreme caution.”*
Now then, if we watch for about an hour and there’s no sign of it coming out, should we proceed with the approach as planned? However, this waiting time is truly the most nerve-wracking I’ve ever experienced. No one is talking, no one is standing up; everyone is just staring intently at the monitor.
The target, Ground Zero, has shown no notable movement so far. Or rather, it’s barely moved at all. It moved a little, so I don’t think it’s dead, but there’s less activity than I expected. What does this mean?
Well, it hasn’t even been 30 minutes since we started watching. If that giant body were to escape in such a short time, that would be a problem in itself.
...Am I being too impatient?
Just as I thought that and reached for my tea, Labyris, who was on my lap, cried out.
"No way!?"
"What’s wrong?"
"Aslin and Firia are on monitor 12!!"
"““*What!?*””"
At that, everyone shouts and stares at monitor 12. Indeed, though it’s hard to see through the trees, the only little ones running through the forest at that speed are our Aslin and Firia!!
"Steve!! From your perspective, Aslin and Firia are heading toward you from the 3 o'clock direction!! Secure them!!"
*“Huh!? U-Understood!!”*
Steve immediately moves, but will he make it in time? And more importantly, why are Aslin and Firia here!?
Hi everyone, it’s October. It’s starting to get cold. Is everyone preparing for winter? Food is starting to get delicious, too. I think that aspect will increase as well.
Actually, there are only three months left in the year. Time flies, doesn't it?
As for the main story, Aslin and Firia have somehow barged into a battlefield where tension never ceases. What on earth happened?
Look forward to the next chapter.