第８０５堀：整いつつある戦力 (Part2)
I have no idea why Samantha and Cleena would bring up the names of Heihachiro Togo and Isoroku Yamamoto, but I have no intention of naming anything after Japanese historical figures. Explaining the reasons why would be more trouble than it’s worth.
Therefore, when it comes to a name that everyone can agree on...
I pull out a blank sheet of A4 paper and roughly scrawl a name on it with a brush pen.
"Well, it’s originally Nimitz-class, but I’ll have to ask everyone to turn a blind eye to that. Let’s go with the Luna-class aircraft carrier, lead ship, the *Luna*. The second ship can be the *Lilishe*. They are goddesses, after all. If they sink, well, at least it’ll be a clean slate."
What a guilt-free name! I have to say, it’s a stroke of genius. If they sink, I can just shift the blame and say Luna’s divine protection wasn't enough!
"Hey, what the hell!? You’re naming them after my holy name and then talking about them sinking like it’s a joke!?"
The moment that thought crosses my mind, the useless goddess manifests in my office. Looking at the speed at which she appears—a reflex, or perhaps a perfect, telepathic synchronization—I can't help but ask:
"Are you actually just bored?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Honestly, I’m looking out for you, yet you haven't shown a shred of faith."
"You gave me the ability to create dungeons and then made it a commission-based system—could you explain where the 'looking out for me' part comes in? This isn't a cheat skill, you know. It’s just a test of management skills."
Well, it’s easier than running a company on Earth since I don't have to deal with taxes or accounting, but in exchange, this is a hardcore world where life is cheap. Even with the ability to create dungeons, those who are incompetent will fail regardless.
So, as it stands—and as it has been for a long time—I am incredibly busy, running back and forth with work. It’s slightly better than my student days, at least.
"Connecting to the If Continent was supposed to be a reward, wasn't it?"
"...I suppose that happened, didn't it?"
"It became a problem because your follow-up after losing contact with Hifii and Noble was so poor."
"That’s their fault for not staying in touch."
"You built a haunted house in a corner of Weed without asking, didn't you?"
"That’s only because you left it abandoned after building it. Now, that haunted house is a massive hit! Day after day, it’s churning out people who lose control of their bladders, not to mention those who faint from sheer terror!"
As Luna says, that haunted house has become a genuine spot for testing one's courage. The expenses are covered by Luna. I decided it was better to keep her occupied with toys.
"No matter how I look at it, you’re the only one benefiting. I don't see a single advantage for me."
"...Anyway, the problem is the name of the ships!!"
Ugh. She blatantly dodged the question.
"Besides, even the most legendary warships eventually sink. Isn't it an honor just to have the name carved into history?"
*Latest aircraft carrier, Luna-class lead ship Luna: Sunk on [Month/Day] off the coast of Sea-Saifo after being attacked by monsters. It happened on its maiden voyage. Rest in peace.*
That would be the most laughable ending in maritime history. I might even have to consider scuttling it on purpose. But the budget for that...
I would have to consume about a third of the DP I’ve saved up so far. It’s no surprise that when I submitted the budget request, my wives gave me cold, icy stares. The reality is that things like tanks are just gathering dust in the warehouse. I mean, we use them for training, of course...
Still, since we don't know what kind of monsters will emerge from the sea, it’s only natural that we need the best ships we can possibly provide. If the Kingdom of Sea-Saifo were to fall to monsters, the New Continent would be thrown into total chaos.
As I’m thinking about this, Luna chimes in.
"No, there are some that survived and retired safely, you know."
"I don't see these as lucky ships. More than that, the maintenance costs alone are astronomical, and we’re having to make do with wyverns for carrier-based aircraft. In this situation, an aircraft carrier is nothing more than a floating fortress. If we were up against a civilization similar to Earth’s, the chances of it being shot down would be high."
We don't have the armament for interception. Or, to be precise, we don't have the ammunition. Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) eat through ammo like crazy. And anti-air interceptor missiles and short-range SAMs are incredibly expensive, one by one. I couldn't possibly prepare enough of those. Of course, as I mentioned, modern fighters are being substituted with wyverns. It feels like a sad, paper tiger.
And, as they say, the tongue is the root of all evil...
"Alright. Fine. I’ll give you those carrier-based aircraft and everything else as a reward!! You should be moved to tears by my generosity!!"
" " "Huh!?" " "
We are so stunned by her sudden declaration that we can't even react beyond a gasp, and in that moment...
"I’ll place the ships in the dungeon’s sea area. There, done!! Check them out properly, then store them in your item box or something!"
"Wait!? You—!?"
The moment I try to complain...
『Emergency alert, emergency alert. A massive warship has suddenly appeared in the dungeon resort area’s sea!! This is not a drill!! All hands to battle stations!! Due to the appearance of the massive warship, high waves have caused damage at the fishing port!! Rescue teams, please immediately...』
"Hey, what the hell!?"
"Oops. I didn't think about the waves."
...Someone, please, do something about this goddess.
Monsters at the front gate, guns at the back, and a useless goddess in the sky. It’s quite something that I can’t feel happy at all even though our military strength has increased in one fell swoop.
But even with powerful weapons, if you let your guard down, it’s over. It’s pretty naive to think you’re safe just because you have a cheat.
Regardless, for now, I have the super-tough, grueling work of dealing with the damage from the appearance of the aircraft carrier and verifying the inventory. Checking the delivery manifests is truly a living hell.