第３２４堀：作戦の提案と情報のすり合わせ (Part1)
### Chapter 324: Proposing Strategies and Aligning Information
**Side: Hifie**
"I see. Indeed, if it’s this..."
"That’s right. I also believe this is the best move to avoid war."
When I look toward Comet, she nods in agreement.
A lot happened between us yesterday, but there’s no time to dwell on such things now.
Yes, I was submerged in a boiling bath for ages, scribbled on with brushes, and forced to run on a treadmill for what felt like an eternity, but I hold no grudges.
And as a result, we have reconciled with Yuki-dono—yes, reconciled.
It is absolutely not the case that we surrendered on the condition that he stop the mischievous Luna-sama.
As we initially declared, we simply aligned our opinions and moved toward the goal of improving this continent.
As proof of this, we are all sitting together at a large table with Yuki-dono and his group, discussing future developments.
Right now, at Yuki-dono’s suggestion, we are moving in a direction that avoids war, and both Comet and I have come to accept that plan.
In truth, I feel a bit frustrated that he was aware of the magic swords I had scattered across various countries, but if we can gain Yuki-dono’s cooperation, I believe we can steer this continent in a better direction more reliably.
"Ah, Taizo-dono, how... how do you feel about this?"
For the first time since the meeting began, I address Taizo-dono.
Honestly, I was worried he would be disillusioned by the underhanded methods I had been pursuing, so I hadn't been able to speak to him until now.
But as the representative for the Hifie side, it would be bad for Taizo-dono to remain silent forever, so I spoke up with a desperate resolve.
Will I receive a scolding? A cold glare?
...The thought makes my heart turn cold.
"Hm? Ah, no. I don't see any problems with the content of the discussion, but there is one thing I would like to ask. Yuki-dono, what is the level of credibility for this data regarding magic power depletion? Honestly, I have only ever moved forward with the goal of increasing the national power of the Hifie Holy Kingdom. Therefore, I have almost no knowledge regarding magic power depletion. Well, it’s not something that can be explained in a page or two, so we can discuss the details another day, but I would like to hear from you, Yuki-dono, how reliable this is."
It seems he isn't that angry with me.
While I feel relieved, it is also clear that because I hadn't told him my true objectives until now, Taizo-dono’s understanding hasn't caught up.
...Either way, it is my fault.
"You can just call me Yuki. We can make concessions to each other without using titles. After all, this is a cooperative relationship."
"I see... Indeed, it is a cooperative relationship. I was completely defeated, so I thought I should maintain the attitude of the loser, but perhaps that was unnecessary. So, Yuki, I’ll ask again: what is the credibility of this data?"
"Honestly, I can't say it's high. It’s based on only two years of research and study on the continent where we came from, Weed, and one year on this continent since we arrived. The numbers and reports are factual. However..."
"With such sparse numbers, there’s no credibility to speak of, then..."
"Yes. Since we are observing environmental changes, even back on Earth, there are daily revisions and new opinions, so it would be very dangerous to make a definitive statement."
"That is only natural. I suppose the rest is speculation based on the old legends and lore remaining in this world..."
"That’s right. On the continent of Weed, magic power pools cause monsters to naturally occur, but on this continent, the base magic power is extremely low. Rather than monsters just 'springing up,' we are thinking in terms of them being born from magic power in specific locations, then scattering and breeding across the regions."
"Hmm. What do you think about this, Hifie-dono, Comet-dono?"
"Eh? Uh, well..."
"Ah, Taizo-san, no, no. Hifie was trying to wipe out both people and monsters alike to balance the books regarding magic power depletion. Ignore the details."
*Hey!!* Stop saying unnecessary things!
Ignoring my glare, Comet continues.
"Well, I do think that’s the most straightforward way. If we don’t stop the wars on this continent, magic power pools will inevitably form. Then, eventually, monsters will overflow from the Magic Academy. If we are busy fighting each other when that happens, there will be no way to deal with it. The fact that Popuri and the others couldn't suppress it says it all. Oh, I’ve also looked into the generation from magic power pools, and I think it’s likely a fact. There are many powerful monsters in those pools, so that flow makes sense."
"I see. So Hifie-dono’s methods were by no means a bad move."
"That’s just a difference in perspective and position. In my case, I already have connections with the bigwigs of various countries and have a standing of friendship, so I can’t just discard them."
"That is certainly true."
"Also, the problem is, if the magic power pools explode and a great monster outbreak occurs as described in the literature, it would be bad enough if the countries just couldn't handle it, but if we consider the possibility that even we couldn't manage it..."
"I don't want to bear the risk of an accidental explosion. If that happens, we would have no choice but to abandon this continent."
"But Yuki, what you’re saying is just stalling for time, isn't it? What do you think about that?"
"Time is important. For now, my companions are thinning out the high-level monsters around the Magic Academy area, converting them into DP, and taking them back to Weed."
"I think it’s important to gather as much information as possible rather than letting it explode without knowing anything, Comet-dono. That changes the means we can take. I don't fully understand the effectiveness of this 'thinning out'..."
"I see, so by DP conversion, you mean transferring them to a dungeon core. Ah, so that was the trick. Yeah, Taizo-san, I think this thinning out is quite effective. It’s a method of securing the magic power monsters possess without letting it disperse. It uses the systems of the magic swords and the sword I have well. Or rather, it’s closer to the original intended use I had in mind."
...I can't join the conversation.
Leaving me behind, the three of them continue to push the discussion forward.
"That inspiration is thanks to you, Comet-dono. Without that, we would have had to bear the risk of turning the entire academy area into a full-fledged dungeon."
"That would carry the risk of an explosion all at once. So, how many high-level monsters are currently in the academy area?"
"I’ll hand over the data summarizing the monsters under the Magic Academy’s jurisdiction later, but there are already many monsters living there that are dangerous unless we make proper preparations. For example, a pack of Basilisks, a village-sized nest centered around an Orc King, and many Wyverns have been confirmed."
"Whoa. Wait a second, those guys are already there? Yikes, then an explosion is definitely off the table."
"Are they such powerful monsters?"
"Yeah. The Orc King is a higher species of Orc. Orcs themselves have a recommended level of 20 or higher, and if they coordinate, they’re probably level 30. The Orc King is over 50. It feels like only the generals and magic sword users currently in each country could barely handle them."
"That’s the strength of a military unit, then. And the others?"
"The others are even more troublesome. The Orc King is cute compared to them. Basilisks breathe a mist that turns living things to stone, and their level is a notch above the Orc King. Wyverns are a flying dragon species, and their level is slightly higher than the Orc King, but..."
"If they take to the sky, that alone makes them troublesome."
"Well, I’m only better off because I have the knowledge and combat experience, but with the current countries, it’s doubtful if these monsters are even mentioned in their literature."
"That’s a problem before even considering how to respond."
I can barely understand their conversation.
If the magic power pools were to explode now and a great monster outbreak occurred, we might fall into a situation where even we couldn't handle it, so it’s better to stop it—that’s the gist of it.
...Though I still can't join the conversation.
"With that in mind, since research on magic power depletion is an essential field, I want you, Comet-dono, to specialize in that research—you are my predecessor, after all. You seem better suited for it."
"Oh, I’m in. You really get it, junior!! Yay! Now I’m free from the chores of running a country! Woo-hoo!!"
"Hey, stop with the behavior that lowers our reputation!!"