第８９２堀：森の拠点 (Part2)
"Well, since this is undoubtedly our base of operations, I suppose 'I'm home' is the correct greeting. That said, standing around in the hallway isn't exactly comfortable for a chat. Is there somewhere we can sit down and talk?"
"……This way. Steve, go back to work."
"Understood. Good luck, everyone."
With that, we parted ways with Steve and were guided to a conference room by Kaya.
"Now then, let's share our respective situations."
We took our seats, and as we rested our bodies, we began to recount what had happened in the town.
"……So, that’s the gist of it. We didn't really get much information regarding the Dragon Mountain."
"I see. It seems they view it only as a tool for trade, or perhaps an object of worship."
"Still, since everyone believes the town prospers thanks to the mountain, the Guild Master mentioned that they might resort to violence against anyone who tries to meddle with it."
Even after hearing Mauve's account again, it didn't feel like we had gained much useful information.
"I understand... And you, my lady, did you notice anything of concern?"
"No, nothing in particular. Well, if I had to say, the streets were lined with shops, and the bustle reminded me of the Weed shopping district. It was smaller in scale, of course, but it was proof that the people there are living in peace."
Hmm. I had pegged Princess Lowell as a mere muscle-head, but it seems she observes things quite well. She appears thoughtless, yet she keeps a close eye on her surroundings. Then again, she wouldn't be able to serve as a general of a nation if she didn't.
"Is that so? Then they certainly wouldn't be cooperative with anyone trying to disrupt the environment they are currently satisfied with."
"Well, that's true. So, does that mean we're heading to the Dragon Mountain with almost no information?"
"That's how it stands for now."
"……At least there's no sabotage."
As Kaya said, it’s a relief that there’s no active interference. The only remaining question is...
"May I also ask a question of Tori and the others?"
"What is it?"
"First, I’d like to know if there were any environmental changes before or after the dungeon was constructed here."
Exactly. I have to confirm whether building the dungeon has caused any issues.
"Um, regarding that..."
For some reason, Tori turned her face away... no, she turned toward the door...
"Leave such technical matters to me!!"
Comet entered the room with a delighted expression.
"...Weren't you in the middle of the ocean survey for Sea-Saifo?"
"Hahaha! Ocean surveys aren't something that progress much in a day or two. You just accumulate the data and check it later. Besides, Zargis said he wanted an assistant, didn't he? So, I, being the kind-hearted soul I am, went out of my way to come here!"
"I see. So, are you saying you will be acting as our pack mule, Comet?"
"No way, I wouldn't do such a meaningless task. Just take a goblin or two for that. What I’m here to assist with is the survey and reporting regarding the area where the dungeon was used, in place of Tori and the others."
She shot that down immediately. Well, I expected as much from her.
"Sigh, very well. I trust you deeply when it comes to research."
"Hahaha, no need to flatter me so much."
"……I wasn't flattering you. Now, will you answer my previous question? Were there any environmental changes due to the dungeon's construction?"
"It's still just my personal observation, but so far, there have been almost no changes at all. Originally, there were very few animals, let alone monsters. The only thing that happened was that the small animals left the vicinity due to the construction noise. There are no magical reactions either."
"That means we can proceed with our departure tomorrow as planned."
"As long as nothing else happens. And from here on out, the expansion of the dungeon is prohibited, so we will only have support from familiars and drones."
"That is also as planned."
Line had predicted that the dragon wouldn't notice the forest expanding if we were careful. As we push further in, we are scheduled to have familiars and drones scout ahead. Without the usual support of the dungeon, the danger will surely increase. Everyone seems to understand this, as their faces have turned serious.
After confirming our equipment for tomorrow, the one to wrap up the meeting was...
"Alright, everyone. Tomorrow is when the real work begins. Let's rest up today and prepare for tomorrow."
"Yes!"
At Tori's words, everyone nodded firmly, preparing for the day ahead.
Honestly, while they are usually glued to Yuki, they certainly know how to work when it counts. Now then, I should do my best not to fall behind the others.
We shall make this our campsite!
To go on an adventure, you need a base. And just like that, we secured our base of operations for heading to the Dragon Mountain.