第５０１堀：縁の下の力持ち (Part2)
While discussing these matters, I checked the installed instruments, but there were no particular issues. The readings were similar to the other gates used in Weed.
To think that Taizo-san would come up with the idea of quantifying the flow of magical power based on the amount of mana gathered in the magic stones—I have to take my hat off to him. With this, if there is any abnormal flow of magical power, we can initiate an immediate evacuation.
"So, how are Yuki and the others holding up?"
"No problems there, either. It doesn't look like there's an urgent need to return to Weed, so even though it costs DP, it seems they’re building hospitals and other necessary facilities."
"Well, that’s for the best. We don't know how the gates might affect pregnant women."
"But there are pregnant women among the tourists and immigrants from various countries, right? What about them?"
"I’ve received reports that there are no issues on that front. However, the distance this time is incredibly vast. It would be dangerous to assume it’s the same for everyone. Even if tourists are willing to take the risk at their own discretion, Yuki would never ask his own wives to be the test subjects."
"That’s true, I suppose."
"And about the hospital construction, what’s the DP consumption?"
"Like the report said, it looks like it’s costing five thousand times more. But magic and such are at the usual multiplier. My subordinates are testing it."
Steve handed me the verification results. While it’s hard to call these definitive figures yet, based on nearly a hundred tests, the consumption is generally about the same as when using magic in Weed.
"How about the transport of goods?"
"Item boxes and vehicle transport are both going smoothly. No problems there."
"Hmm. So, everything is going according to plan for now."
Yuki had already reported that item boxes could be used, and if the gates were passable, it’s only natural that they would work as usual. And it seems heavy-duty transport is also without issue.
"I suppose Yuki and the others will be based in Baide for a while longer?"
"Yeah. They won't be moving until the births are over."
"I just hope we can finish the verifications and ensure their safety in the meantime..."
"I hope so too."
"The next major experiments are the transport of magical creatures and Doppelganger operation."
"Both of those sound awful. Magical creatures carry the risk of instant expiration, and with Doppelgangers, there’s a chance the operator’s consciousness could go missing..."
"We can handle the magical creature issue with mana-blocking stealth and oxygen tanks for emergency escapes, but the consciousness transfer for the Doppelgangers really does seem like a life-or-death gamble."
"The magical creatures will likely be handled by Surakichi-san’s unit, but what are they planning to do about the Doppelgangers?"
"...We’ll have no choice but to test it on individuals whose absence wouldn't cause any problems."
"...How are we going to select them?"
"That’s something to discuss with Yuki. If Yuki and the others can’t use Doppelgangers, their movements on that continent will be severely restricted, so we have to conduct the experiment for that reason alone."
"Well, it’s a hassle to go all the way from the continent where Baide is located back to Weed through the gate just to use a Doppelganger."
"...It seems we’ve only just begun. We have no choice but to take it one step at a time. So, where’s Yuki?"
"He’s still being swarmed by the ladies."
Steve turned up the volume on the call he was using, and...
『Alright, Rurua’s checkup is finished, now for one more task...』
『Yuki-san, what are you saying!! You are taking a break for today!!』
『That’s right. Yuki has been working non-stop for five days now. You should rest immediately. Rest assured, Ria and I will be your escorts.』
『That’s right. Just as Ria and Jessica say. Let’s all take a break for today.』
『Indeed. That is correct. The children are waiting, and we must bring Sasari along as well.』
『Exactly. The children are lonely because they haven't been able to see their father, so it wouldn't be a sin to take a break for a day or two. Right, Eris?』
『Yes. As Ratz says, what’s needed right now is family time. It’s unthinkable for a family to go five days without any affection. Yuki-san, you should get into bed right now and cuddle with all of us.』
...Such conversations drifted through.
"...I wonder if we’ll be able to take a break tomorrow, too?"
"Unfortunately, we’re on duty tomorrow. Well, I’ll be off when I swap with John. Zargis will be working hard, though."
"...*Sigh*. We researchers have been working non-stop, too. Well, that’s just how it is."
For researchers, breaks are practically non-existent; it’s always a case of acting the moment an idea strikes.
"Either way, it means the support staff has to give it their all."
"Indeed."
It’s a case of everything relying on the support behind the scenes.
Well then, shall we get to work?
And so, the research team faces their trials.
Well, that’s just how the world works.
And now, various things are finally beginning.
What will become of the whereabouts of Haiden!!