第８９２堀：森の拠点 (Part1)
### Chapter 892: The Forest Base
**Side: Zargis**
Well, well. I never expected to find myself walking down a pitch-black road long after the sun had set.
To be precise, we are deep within a dense forest where even the starlight cannot penetrate; it is truly absolute darkness.
"Heh, moving about in secret like this isn't half bad. It reminds me of my childhood. I heard the castle was in an uproar when I went missing, though."
"..."
Princess Lowell, walking beside me, is reminiscing about something quite troublesome. I imagine the stomachs of the castle staff must have been churning with anxiety.
"So, Zargis. Are we heading in the right direction?"
Ignoring the Princess’s monologue, Mauve-dono asks me.
"Yes. If we continue straight like this... ah, we’ve entered the dungeon’s sphere of influence. The map display has appeared."
"Oh, you're right."
Everyone is checking their maps via their Call devices. We are about two kilometers deeper from this point.
"The area under control is quite small. It’s practically the minimum size, isn't it?"
"That can’t be helped," I reply to Laya-dono’s observation. "We cannot afford to make it unnecessarily large, lest the dragon senses it."
This investigation is a clandestine one. It would be fine if we had received permission from the relevant parties, but as it stands, we haven't obtained it yet. As I was thinking this...
"Hey, Charl. Can you see us from your end?"
*"Yes. I can confirm your arrival, sisters. Please, continue straight ahead."*
It seems the Call is working without any issues. That is a relief, at the very least.
"Understood. Still, this is an incredible place. The vegetation is so thick it practically rejects human intrusion. It’s a dense forest where you can’t feel any sign of human activity."
*"Indeed. Beyond human activity, as far as we’ve explored, we haven't encountered any monsters, or even large animals."*
"Yeah, I heard rumors about that in town. It’s a truly quiet forest. Quiet to the point of being unsettling."
It is true. Despite being such a massive forest, there is almost no sign of life. Even the woods surrounding the Last Kingdom, which are home to powerful monsters, still host plenty of wildlife. This situation is nothing short of mysterious. I was reluctant at first, but now that I see such a strange, enigma-filled space, my curiosity is piqued.
*"I see. So, there were stories about this forest in town as well."*
"Yeah, though they didn't seem to know the reality of it. The fact that this forest is too quiet has become quite the topic of conversation."
*"Is that so? I’d love to hear more details, but it would be better to discuss it once you arrive here rather than while you’re moving through the woods. Sister, you’re almost there, so hang in there."*
"Understood. We’ll talk more once we arrive."
*"Yes, I’ll be waiting."*
"Alright, everyone. We’re almost there! Let’s keep it up!"
"Yeah!"
And so, we pushed through the thick, overgrown vegetation and arrived at the location where Tori-dono and the others had set up the dungeon, but...
*Clang, clang... Whir, whir...*
For some reason, we stumbled upon a massive construction site using heavy machinery. As we stood there, stunned, a goblin on guard duty spotted us and approached.
"Hey! If it isn't Mauve-dono and the others."
"Hm? Oh, Steve? Why are you wearing work clothes? You were so different I almost didn't recognize you."
As Mauve-dono said, his attire was so far removed from his usual look that I hadn't realized it was Steve.
"You ask why? We're in the middle of a camouflage operation."
"Camouflage operation?"
"That's right. We managed some camouflage with 'Dig Here, Pooch,' but that alone isn't enough. We're gathering trees like this to build a wall."
"Can't you do that with 'Dig Here, Pooch' too?"
Indeed, for Yuki and the others, who can create dungeons at will with that terrifying skill, such civil engineering work should be unnecessary.
"The reason is that we don't want to use too much magical power. Well, I’m worried if it’s okay to be this noisy instead, but the Boss and the research team decided that noise is still better than magical diffusion. What do you think, Zargis?"
"I see. In that case, I would also choose the noise. There is still much we don't understand about magical power. It is certainly better than the alternative."
If things go poorly, we might not only alert the enemy but also cause monsters to swarm the area.
"I see. So, where are Tori and the others?"
"They're over at the dungeon. This way."
As we followed Steve, I could see the Wyvern Corps arriving and John making preparations. It seems they are fully prepared to sortie and deal with any unforeseen circumstances immediately. This means that even if the dragon turns hostile during negotiations or tries to flee, they have the means to handle it.
As I was thinking this, Princess Lowell seemed to have spotted the Wyvern Corps.
"Oh, is that the Wyvern Corps? A surprise attack from the sky is truly impressive. Hey, Steve, can you give me one?"
"No way. Besides, that’s way beyond my authority. If you want one, go consult Seraria-neesan directly."
...The wyverns of Weed are far stronger and more intelligent than typical dragons. Above all, they are capable of communication and can conduct military and tactical operations—a force any nation would drool over. The sheer audacity to ask for one so easily, without a hint of hesitation, is impressive. Usually, such a request would heighten international tensions, but coming from Princess Lowell, it sounds like she’s just asking for a personal pet.
Well, that’s only because we know her personality. But to those who understand the complexities of international relations...
"You idiot sister!! If you say things like that, people will think you have outrageous ambitions!"
*Whack!*
She said that while swinging a paper fan. Well, she’s right. Desiring excessive military power is usually interpreted as planning an invasion of other countries. As for the person who was just scolded...
"Ahaha, what a sharp retort. But I truly do want a wyvern; it’s my ambition to go on an adventure!"
"..."
This is hopeless. She doesn't understand at all, and she hasn't learned her lesson. She really does have a unique personality.
Following Charl, who had delivered the heavy blow, Tori-dono and the others approached us.
"Welcome back, Mauve-san and everyone."
To Tori-dono, who greeted us with those words...
"Yeah, is 'welcome back' the right thing to say? This is my first time coming here, after all."
"Hmm, I wonder?"
Mauve-dono and Riel-dono tilted their heads in confusion. I understand their doubt, but I don't think this is the place to be pondering such things.