第２９９堀：始まるは情報戦 (Part2)
"Well, it's just a guess, though it's not like I hadn't imagined it. The information is too scarce to be stating my theories as fact, don't you think?"
"I suppose you're right. So, what made you conclude it was a gun?"
"It’s the fact that they specifically called it a 'Staff of Fire'."
"A 'Staff of Fire'?"
"Yeah. We don't know the attribute of the magic sword, so why would they be so sure about the staff?"
"Now that you mention it, that is strange. If they didn't know the nature of the weapon, they should have just called it an 'Enchantment Staff,' right?"
"Exactly. Calling it a 'Staff of Fire' implies there’s a clear reason for that name. For instance, perhaps they witnessed a scene where fire erupted simultaneously when a group attacked with those staves."
"Ah, I see. Magic swords can produce various effects, but if the same phenomenon occurred with the staves all at once, 'Staff of Fire' would be a fitting description, wouldn't it?"
"That’s it. And as for why I thought of a gun—the firearms we handle don't produce such prominent flames. But old-fashioned guns would flare up quite a bit; there's even the saying that 'a gun breathes fire.'"
*So that’s why you thought of a gun.*
"Yeah. Still, the intel from Milly and Kirika is troublesome. All we know for sure is that they use guns, right?"
*...I’m sorry.*
"No, Milly and Kirika did a great job. There's no doubt about that. Getting this information beforehand is definitely a stroke of luck. If we had even figured out the specific type of gun, I’d be suspicious of a mole among those mercenaries, rather than just surprised."
"That's true."
Still, this is a pain.
A battle involving guns changes the nature of combat entirely.
I had anticipated it, but this is my first time facing it in a real-world scenario.
"…Alright. Milly and Kirika, you're done with information gathering for today, right?"
*Yes. We left under the guise of an urgent matter. We could force our way back to gather more, but…*
"No, you two head back to Weed for now. Tell Steve and the others to prepare the aerial forces. We haven't departed yet, so we still need to meet with Vixen before we head out. We could leave it to the Doppelganger, but we can likely gather more intel at the barracks, and I want to go there directly ourselves."
*Understood.*
"Also, tell Seraria and the others waiting in Weed. There’s a high possibility we’ll be facing gun-based combat."
*Yes.*
For now, I need to gather as much information as possible and devise countermeasures. Especially since guns are involved. If we don't collect data on the enemy's weapon types, range, power, and everything else, we’re going to suffer heavy losses.
As I was thinking this, Milly spoke up again, as if she had one last thing to add.
*Lastly, there’s a rumor that a hero who surpasses a Holy Sword User was summoned to the Hifie Holy Kingdom a few years ago…*
"I figured as much. Thinking of a weapon like a gun—there's no way that wasn't outside influence. It's not impossible that this world invented guns on its own, but if we assume the worst, it's standard to think that someone who knows the utility of guns, just like Taiki or myself, was summoned."
Just inventing a gun isn't enough to organize an army that uses them this quickly. Even in our world, the utility of guns was doubted when they were first invented. Given that this world has a wide variety of long-range magic attacks, even if they had created guns, it would have taken a long time to consider the costs and power before they became a primary weapon. In that process, the category of 'guns' would have become known throughout this New Continent.
But a weapon based on the concept of a gun doesn't exist here yet. Therefore, someone who knows the utility of guns must have been summoned in a special position and used that influence to equip their forces. Someone like a hero or a brave soul summoned from another world by a god…
"W-wait a moment, Master. In that case, our opponent is…"
Rurua asked in a trembling voice. The others also looked surprised, or perhaps a little saddened.
"Yeah. It’s safe to assume they’re an Otherworlder. Well, it’s unlikely to be someone from the same world as Taiki or me by sheer coincidence…"
"Ah, that’s true. I don't think it's convenient enough for everyone to be summoned from your world, brother."
"Exactly. If they were from the same world, there might be a chance for reconciliation like with Taiki, but there's also the possibility they have no connection to us at all. Just because they were summoned doesn't mean they’re an acquaintance or a fellow countryman."
When I said that, my wives let out a sigh of relief.
"I'm glad. I wouldn't want you to go through the pain of killing someone from your own homeland."
"Mm. I don't want to see Yuki sad."
As Samantha and Cleena said that, the other wives nodded in agreement. I’m truly lucky to have such kind wives.
"Alright. Based on what Milly said, let’s head to the barracks and gather intel until everyone is ready."
"Yes!"
Now then, how much information can we actually gather? It would be a huge help if they were just matchlock guns, but I’ll have to leave that to Steve’s aerial reconnaissance to find out from high altitude…
And this person in a special position who was supposedly summoned—assuming they are a resident of a completely different world unrelated to Taiki or me is probably just wishful thinking. There are certain 'tropes' to these things, after all.
I just hope they’re the type you can talk to, like Taiki. I pray they aren't some idiot high on their own power.
Based on Milly's intel, I’ve decided to deploy our aerial forces?
Time to probe the strength of the enemy standing in our way!!
Mainly Steve, that is!!
Oh, and it’s almost time for winter food—or rather, Christmas in December, huh?
Christmas!!
Does that even exist for me?