第４４９堀：情報収集の一時報告と戦闘の結果 (Part2)
"Yes. In a sense, it’s easier for us to accept that it’s a criminal organization. It’s easy to understand as an act of resentment toward the guild, and there are countless groups like that out there. A string of failed quests is also a perfect way to tarnish the guild’s reputation."
"…So, you’re saying there’s a possibility it has nothing to do with the Dungeon or the Kingdom of Swords?"
"That should be taken into consideration as well. We certainly can’t make a definitive judgment based on this information alone."
"I see… I suppose so. In that case, will you be joining the Adventurer Guild’s search party from here on out?"
"That is the plan. Right, Mauve-san?"
"Yeah. I don't really get the complicated stuff, but it’s safer to join up with Ovik and the others to investigate."
"..."
Huh? The stares I’m getting from everyone feel a bit sharp.
"…Well, I suppose it’s fine for Mauve-san to be that way."
"Yeah. Thanks to that, no one will suspect us of having any ulterior motives."
"Indeed. In a way, it makes it easier for us to move around."
I’ll just take that as a compliment for now.
"Still, quite a bit of time has passed. It’s almost 3:00 AM… I wonder how things are going in Ranks."
Before I knew it, the time had slipped away. I had stayed awake specifically to wait for the results.
"Based on the combat reports, I couldn't find any factors that would lead to a loss, but unforeseen circumstances do happen, after all."
"Curse-san. Given that it is the Master, he has likely accounted for such situations. A rout is impossible."
"Well, I suppose you’re right. Yuki doesn't take fights he might lose."
That’s true. Yuki doesn't play those kinds of games. He’s the type who only makes a move once he’s certain of victory.
With nothing left to discuss, we all killed time in our own ways until a message came through from the comms.
『This is the Command Room. Reporting the current battle situation. Please note that this communication is being sent to all primary operation personnel simultaneously, so individual responses are not possible. Please contact your respective leads after the report.』
With that, Eris’s voice cut off. We all felt that the report on the battle in Ranks was coming, so we waited in silence.
『The unidentified monster army that began the invasion of Ranks was confronted by the defensive line constructed by General Mino-chan. They ignored the order to halt their advance and the warning to cease fire; therefore, the defensive battle commenced at 0240.』
About twenty minutes ago, then. Does that mean they’re still fighting?
『As a result, the enemy army collapsed under a barrage of artillery and gunfire. By 0250, there was no resistance, and we transitioned to a mopping-up operation. During that time, we located and successfully apprehended an individual who appeared to be the commander. At 0315, we declared the battle concluded. The defense of Ranks was a success.』
Oh, it’s already over. They mentioned artillery and gunfire—did they bring out cannons and guns? Well, that’s that. There’s no way the enemy could hold up against that.
『I repeat: The defense of Ranks was a success. Those on standby, please return to your respective posts. Detailed reports will be provided tomorrow. This concludes the battle report.』
So, the most pressing issue has been resolved for now.
"As expected of the Master. However, this means I’ll be pulling an all-nighter. It has become highly likely that there will be some movement at the castle."
"Oh, is that so?"
"It is. Eris-san’s report confirmed that the invading army, presumably belonging to a Dungeon Master, has been annihilated. It’s easy to predict that the Kingdom of Swords, which is in a cooperative relationship with them, will make some kind of move. We should head toward the guild, as there might be some activity or pressure directed there as well."
"Alright. Understood. Don't push yourself too hard, Kirika."
"Yes, of course. You take care as well. I shall take my leave now."
With that, Kirika leaped out of the window once again.
"Looks like there’s no sleeping tonight, then."
"Can't be helped. But what reason will we give for going to the guild? If we show up when nothing has happened yet, it’ll look suspicious, won't it?"
"…You’re right. As Raiya-san says, that would be a problem. For now, let’s just stay in this room and wait. If there’s any trouble, the guild will contact us immediately, and we can just head over in the morning."
"In a way, staying awake in this state is tough. I’m starting to lose my edge and get sleepy."
"Well, we don't all need to be awake. Mauve, you take a nap first. I’ll wake you in an hour."
"Gotcha. I’ll get some shut-eye then."
And just like that, I crawled into bed and fell asleep immediately.
Of course, the battle was skipped. You knew that already? Well, it couldn't be helped. The enemies aren't Bicks or Nogosh anymore, after all.
Also, the comment section was full of "useless goddess" and "bad goddess." She’s really loved, isn't she!! Everyone must love her!! From a distance, at least!!
Anyway, putting that aside, I’ve got a problem. To put it briefly: I caught a cold and my throat hurts. I don't have a fever yet, but why does it have to happen right when I have a day off tomorrow? I was planning on playing Fate or Skyrim on my PS4, what a total nuisance. I’ll do my best to get over it today.
Everyone, be careful not to catch a cold too!