第７４８堀：有識者たちとの話合いと結論 (Part2)
"That said, no matter how much we talk here, it’s all just speculation. For now, shouldn't we just keep a watchful eye on the movements of the Seasypho Kingdom? Intercontinental exchange is a higher priority right now."
"That is true. I agree with Narjia-san’s opinion."
"I do as well."
"Personally, since it’s the continent and country I came from, I’m worried, but proceeding with intercontinental exchange will make things safer in the long run."
"Indeed. It may look like a detour, but it’s the shortest path."
It seems we’ve reached a consensus to prioritize intercontinental exchange.
That leaves the silent Zargis and Comet...
"Do you two have anything to add?"
"No, I have no objections to the policy itself. Originally, because of the wide-area barrier that the Goddess Hiren created using the core, it’s difficult for magical creatures to survive in that New Continent. We wouldn't be able to muster sufficient combat strength there."
"And I’m an undead, so unless we solve that issue, it’s going to be tough for me to operate in the New Continent."
"Come to think of it, what is the status of that? Kirika and the others are able to operate to a very limited extent, but what about methods for operating outside those parameters?"
If that could be expanded, investigating the Seasypho Kingdom would be easier, which would make things much simpler for us.
"Not at all. It’s only because Kirika-san and the others are undead, and because they satisfy the conditions of carrying amulets blessed by Hiren-sama and being under Weed’s influence, that they can barely manage to operate in the New Continent. Surakichi-san and the others still suffer from rapid mana depletion; there is no doubt it remains a harsh environment for pure magical creatures."
"Well, there is the option of embedding a core inside the body, like Souta, Enor, or Age, but... that’s a no-go. If it were installed from the start, that’s one thing, but neither I nor Kirika want to slice open our own stomachs to put one in."
That’s only natural.
Besides, we know from the Holy Sword users on the If Continent that hacking via the core is possible, so there’s no reason to install such a vulnerability.
"So, even for the three of you, breaking the deadlock in that region is difficult?"
"It’s not that there isn't a way."
"There is?"
That’s unexpected.
So there is a way. But the fact that these people hadn't mentioned it until now means...
"There is one. A way to blow away the barrier Hiren created using the core that prevents the solidification of mana across that entire region."
"Nom. Though, if we did that, monsters would start appearing all over that continent again—"
"No, no, no!"
We all rejected the idea in unison.
The nations of the New Continent would undoubtedly fall into total chaos.
Moreover, if they found out we were the cause, there’s a high probability they would become our enemies.
If we had already brought them into the fold of intercontinental exchange, we might be able to explain and prepare them, but doing it suddenly is out of the question.
"Well, it’s a no-go, isn't it? I wouldn't recommend it either."
"Exactly. We discussed something similar on the If Continent, but I’d hate for the mana that’s been suppressed until now to suddenly solidify and cause swarms of dragons to spawn."
"Nom nom. That’s right. The risk is too high."
Ah, I see. If we dispelled the barrier now, it might release 500 years' worth of mana all at once.
Unlike the area near the Lancer Magic Academy on the If Continent, there wasn't a pre-existing ecosystem there, so it would be like a massive volcanic eruption.
I can't imagine the damage would be kept to a minimum.
There’s a non-zero chance that nothing would happen, but we can't gamble on that.
"And what about the person who set it up?"
"That goddess lives entirely by instinct, after all."
"Hiren-kun is the intuitive type."
"Yeah, she’s the type who just does things because she feels like it."
...That airheaded Hiren is just too hopeless.
No, I already knew that.
"Our education of her hasn't been sufficient..."
"We truly apologize."
The two guardians bowed their heads.
"No, no, it’s not Hiren-sama’s fault."
"That’s right. So, Souta-san and Enor-san, there’s no need to apologize."
Taizou-san and Taiki-kun hurriedly followed up to comfort them.
"Well, we’ll look for a solution to the intentional mana depletion in the New Continent eventually, but for now, we’ll leave it alone. Agreed?"
When I said that, everyone nodded.
"Regarding the Seasypho matter, shall we agree to begin a thorough investigation after the intercontinental exchange is established?"
Again, everyone nodded.
The meeting came to an end, and we transitioned into a meal to enjoy ourselves, but...
"Honestly, Yuki-san, what do you think?"
"About what?"
"About the shovels in the Seasypho Kingdom. Do you think there’s a Japanese person there?"
"Who knows? I can't say for sure, but... in this kind of pattern, there usually is, right?"
"Exactly. I hope we can communicate with them."
"Well, that’s for after the intercontinental exchange. When the time comes, I’m going to need you to seriously lend me your strength."
"Yes. The issue of guns is a dangerous matter for us as well."
Taiki-kun and I spent the rest of the time feeling a bad premonition—or perhaps, a sense of inevitability—regarding the Seasypho Kingdom.
Even after talking with the experts, the conclusion remained the same.
The focus shifted to the question: who was it that put this knowledge into practical use?
I wonder, was it a genius of this world who created the shovel? Or perhaps...