第３１３堀：彗星の考えと思い (Part2)
I try to organize my thoughts, but in the end, it seems Hifi has given up on the path of human-led solutions now that we are gone.
Well, it has been 400 years since then.
Compared to the time I spent watching over this continent before that, she has been quite patient.
For an ordinary person, that is enough time for countless wars to have broken out.
I have no intention of complaining about the choices made by someone who endured that agonizing stretch of time while desperately searching for a way forward.
Now, what is the complication?
It concerns the unit I sent out recently with the intention of declaring war, only to be scattered by wyverns.
It is absurd that there are over 30 monsters of that caliber.
Moreover, they were perfectly coordinated.
Even when I was alive, wyverns were rare monsters found only in the deepest parts of the mountains.
Their strength far exceeds that of the wyverns commanded by the Dragon Knight who has arrived here.
The gap is so wide that losing ten out of ten encounters would be a certainty.
And to top it off, those wyverns were led by an orc. An orc that could speak, no less.
I just don’t get it.
Granted, when I was active as a Dungeon Master, high-ranking monsters like Dullahan or Liches could speak.
Naturally, animal-type monsters could speak as well.
But orcs are mass-produced, disposable fodder.
There is no merit in making them talk.
For a moment, I thought a new Dungeon Master other than myself had been chosen, but that orc’s existence ruled that out.
Because the strength of that orc was extraordinary.
Just to make one speak, you would have to waste DP or invest time into education.
Furthermore, it easily severed my arm—and I am not just a researcher, but a mage whose overall capabilities were bolstered to the limit as a Dungeon Master.
In other words, it possesses not just knowledge, but elevated abilities across the board.
It is not impossible that this is the work of a Dungeon Master, but the probability is extremely low.
If you were going to prepare an orc like that, it would be more efficient to simply increase the number of wyverns.
After all, the DP replenishment rate on this continent is even worse now than it was 400 years ago.
This means there is a possibility that a genuine, dangerous Demon Lord has appeared—one even more formidable than when Peace was acting as the Demon Lord, or the human kingdoms like August.
The location is likely the Forest of Magic, near the Lancer Academy of Magic, which has become a gathering point for magical power.
I never expected Popuri to turn the facility where she protected orphans into a magic academy, but I suspect she foresaw this and built it there.
She was always sharp. I thought it was a bit hasty of her to keep her appearance young and immortal, but in the end, it seems she is managing well.
Hm, I’ve digressed.
Most likely, those orcs and wyverns attacked us because we were defenseless, rather than targeting Popuri’s academy, which would be difficult to assault.
Motome-san is currently handling the wyvern countermeasures, but with an orc like that appearing, I feel it would be disastrous if we didn't reinforce our other defenses.
Not that I can convey such advice to Hifi.
I don't have freedom of movement.
Well, if those orcs show themselves again, we will likely be pushed back depending on the situation, and at that time, I will force my control to be released and bring this up.
It is not impossible to forcibly break the control, after all.
However, if I break it now, while the situation for discussing things with Hifi isn't ready, she will simply re-apply a stronger seal and that will be the end of it.
If I were to escape from Hifi’s side, that would be fine, but I have no intention of leaving her behind.
Ah, I really am a good friend, aren't I? Still worrying about others even after becoming a corpse.
Oh, before I knew it, the status readout for the envoys has finished.
Let’s see...
Hmm, the Dragon Knight is a student at Popuri’s place, so the level is low.
But she seems to have talent for magic.
And her husband, magic power manipulation? That’s quite the peculiar trait.
And the magic sword user from August, ho-ho, level 82.
Yes, yes, quite strong. Are these materials for Hifi’s undead mage corps?
And the rest are the mercenary guards...
Hmm, averaging around level 70, well, that’s impressive.
Impressive, but not beyond a magic sword user, and no standout skills.
...Something is suspicious.
Especially these two. Yuki and Taiki. They look similar to Motome-san.
Summoned from another world? But there is no such description in their status.
Do they have concealment skills?
But my appraisal should see through concealment.
Ah, I want to go investigate them directly, but my body won't move freely!
Well, even if they were concealing something, I don't think they could defeat me or Hifi...
Comet is, for better or worse, always at her own pace in many ways.
How will she involve herself in the chaos to come?