第８９３堀：いざ竜山へ (Part2)
I had wondered why he said he didn't want to carry any luggage, but I suppose it’s true—if you have to carry it all on your back in the real world, you’d naturally want to avoid it.
"Indeed. I am glad you understand. Though, that said, it is quite nice to walk around and see the sights like this once in a while. I used to do the same thing not so long ago."
"Huh, I always thought Zargis was the type to stay cooped up in his lab forever."
"It depends on the time and the situation. Well, I imagine you understand that, Lady Comet, given your own habits?"
"I suppose so. If we lack something for our research, we buy it. If we don't have the budget to buy it, we go and get it ourselves. That’s just how we operate."
If you’re short on something, you use your own two feet to make it happen. That is the essence of being a researcher. I used to do it all the time, too. I’d go on adventures with Hifi, and before I knew it, children would be gathering around us... but, let's leave the old stories for another time. Regardless, researchers are surprisingly tough. We can get by without eating much when pushed to the limit; we’re tougher than a sister in the middle of ascetic training, let me tell you. And no, that’s not me saying I spent my food budget on research materials.
"Precisely. Many people assume we researchers are frail, but a destitute researcher is often stronger than your average soldier. That is precisely why I was appointed as one of the Four Heavenly Kings under Her Majesty, Queen Liliana."
"Ah, that’s right, you were one of the Four Heavenly Kings, weren't you."
"Well, as far as that goes, Taizo-san is the most formidable of us all."
"That man’s ability to scavenge supplies is completely abnormal."
I’ve known Taizo-san for quite a while, but if he doesn't have the materials he needs on hand, he’ll head out to find them immediately. Of course, we usually don't even know what it is he’s looking for, so in the end, he has to go look for it himself. And whenever he does that, he usually ends up smashing a bandit gang or two along the way. Hifi used to be happy about the improved public safety and the boost to national technology, but she always seemed a bit conflicted about Taizo-san putting himself in danger like that. These days, we can get everything we need through Yuki’s abilities, so those worries have faded.
While we were talking, the group crossed the river and stepped into the forest at the foot of Dragon Mountain.
"Everyone, be careful. There’s no dungeon support from here on out. I’ll be sending updated map data from the drone feed as we go, but it won’t be as precise as a Call Map. Please keep track of your general position. If you need to know your exact coordinates, I can dispatch a drone, but be aware that it will take time."
"Roger that. Well, we’re aiming for the mountain, so we shouldn't get lost."
Riel is right, of course. Since we just have to head toward the mountain, it’s unlikely we’ll lose our way. Then, Kaya and Tori chimed in with questions.
"That’s fine and all, but do you have any intel on monsters or anything?"
"Yes. We’d like to know about any potential threats. Have the familiars you sent ahead picked up anything?"
"I haven't seen any signs of monsters yet. However, my prediction is that there’s a very high probability there aren't any monsters in this forest. It’s just like the forest leading to the town we passed earlier."
"Why are you so sure?" Mauve asked.
"Behind you all, there was that river we crossed—the one about ten meters wide. There were no animals or monsters coming to drink, and no tracks to be found. Does that explain it?"
"Ah, I see. Indeed, as far as I could see, there were no signs of any living creatures using that river."
"Which means the forest creatures are using a different water source, or there simply aren't any creatures in this forest at all."
"Exactly. Water is an absolute necessity for living things. Well, it’s possible it’s an undead nest, but even then, undead are generally sluggish during the day, and the strong ones don't come out in the sunlight."
"That makes sense. Does that mean we should try to clear the forest as quickly as possible?"
"Hmm. I’ll have to consult with Zargis on that. If there’s something rare to be found, we might end up spending the night in the forest. Either way, I’ll still be providing support with drones and familiars."
And so, the itinerary for our adventure was left to Zargis’s judgment...
"No, even if there is something rare, we shall simply mark it and press on. Our primary objective is the negotiation with the Dragonkin who dwell on Dragon Mountain. If it comes to it, we can leave the resource survey to Steve, who is operating as a separate detachment."
"Understood. In that case, let’s take the shortest route."
"Okay! Then it’s a race to Dragon Mountain!"
"Ah, no, you can't do that, Riel!"
"...*Sigh*. Riel. If you do that, Yuki will dislike you."
"Ehh!?"
And thus, our noisy adventure toward Dragon Mountain began. Who knows what kind of beings are waiting on that cloud-shrouded peak visible through the monitor? The group, led by Mauve, headed deep into the heart of the mountain. I wonder what awaits them on the other side. I certainly hope we find something interesting.