第３９５堀：演習前の癒し (Part2)
"Ah, no, you're right—having this much is certainly reassuring. But as you can see from looking at Hifi, it’s probably overkill. I understand that Mino-chan and the others were worried, and that Yuki gave permission to use it just in case."
"I suppose you're right. Comet-san told me to take it with me just in case, and my brother told me that if I ever have to use this at full power, I should just retreat."
"That makes sense. Though, if things get to that point, I’m not even sure if a retreat would be possible."
"True. That would mean the other side has similar weaponry. It would be tough to get away unscathed. Anyway, what should we do about usage restrictions?"
"Hmm. Hey, Hifi, how long are you going to stay frozen like that?"
"Hah!? Oh, um, for now, let's stick to standard magic. Strategic and tactical-level spells could wipe out this entire area, and for weapons, let's limit it to the miniguns. I think bunkers and tanks have too much firepower."
"I agree with Hifi’s opinion. If we use that kind of firepower, there’s no telling what will happen to the dungeon."
"I agree as well. Well, these will be our last resort. I'll go pass those instructions along."
"Yes, please do."
"Good luck!"
Mino-chan turned and walked away after saying that, but stopped abruptly halfway.
"Oh, I forgot to ask one thing."
"What is it?"
"What's up?"
"About Narjia-san's armed weapons..."
"Um, I'm not really sure, but Comet..."
"No way. You shouldn't be using Narjia's armed weapons in a place like this."
I tried to ask Comet, but she answered immediately.
"So it's a no, then?"
"Obviously. It’s true that in terms of raw firepower, things like tanks are superior, so you might think it's fine to use Narjia's, but each of those armed weapons was made based on Narjia's personal hobbies. In other words, they all have completely different performance specs as weapons. You aren't planning to use them while fully grasping all of that, are you?"
"I was asked to test them out."
"Then using them is absolutely forbidden. If you aren't careful, you could end up destroying yourselves. Unless you're a small party, weapons with inconsistent firepower are nothing but a hindrance to an army."
"I'm glad to hear you agree with my brother. Well, I did get permission to use them if it turns into a chaotic melee."
"Ah, if it becomes a chaotic melee, there probably won't be any weapons more powerful than those. If that happens, at the very least, Mino-chan and the executive class should be able to survive."
"...Is it really that dangerous?"
"It is." "It really is."
...The world is truly vast. To think there is someone capable of creating things so dangerous that even Comet would declare them a hazard.
"Well then, I'll get back to giving orders."
With that, Mino-chan disappeared into the ranks of the monsters.
"Well now, can't we just sleep through this exercise?"
"I don't think that's possible. There are many lives at stake, after all."
"No, I mean, I don't have the confidence to watch Noble's stunned face without laughing."
"Control yourself. If you fall asleep, I'll ask Mino-chan to aim some stray fire in your direction."
"Absolutely not!? I'll die!?"
"For now, let's head back to the observation point. I told Mino-chan we would be at the starting position as soon as we were ready."
"Understood. Sigh, not laughing is going to be tough."
When we arrived at the observation point, Noble was already waiting, and a lanky man was standing beside him.
"It seems your preparations are complete as well."
"Yes. And who might this be?"
"Ah, let me introduce him. This is Binzo, the magic tool engineer who built the foundation of my monster army."
"A pleasure to meet you. Hifi-sama, the same god as Noble-heika. I look forward to working with you today."
"O-oh. Likewise."
Something about this feels very unsettling.
"Heh, so you are the one who was once the genius Comet."
"...Be silent. I will not permit you to insult my friend."
"My apologies. However, I am grateful."
"...What are you talking about?"
"You taught us that we could utilize corpses. That is how His Majesty's army has grown so strong."
"What do you..."
I started to ask, but the moment I looked directly at Noble's army, I covered my mouth.
"Ugh..."
Are they rotting? I don't feel any life in them. Those are undead...
"How could you do such a thing..."
"Oh my, it is a rational decision. I am merely reusing corpses from which the magic stones have been harvested. Much like you do, Comet-dono."
"Stop. I will apologize for Binzo's rude attitude. However, this was ordered by me. The world cannot be saved by softness alone."
"...Noble."
"My resolve was set long ago. If you believe I am wrong, then first try to stop that army of the undead. Those without power have no choice but to follow."
You have gone that far...
"...I understand your resolve, Noble. Then we shall face you with our full strength."
"I see. Then let us begin. Binzo, drop the flag."
"Yes, sir!!"
And so, the flag—the signal to begin—was dropped... and a thunderous roar echoed out.
Well, this is already turning into a farce, but I won't let them have their way just yet!!
I will return to being serious one more time.
After that, we will be reconfirming the knowledge everyone has accumulated in this novel so far, so please make sure to study and review carefully.
As for today's story where Mino-chan is working hard, we're planning on having yakiniku for dinner.
Mino-chan, I'll enjoy it thoroughly.