第９６８堀：展開と疑問 (Part1)
Chapter 968: Developments and Doubts
Side: Aslin
A vast, endless ocean.
I am in a world where there is nothing but the sky and the sea, stretching out to the horizon.
The breeze feels wonderful.
It makes me realize once again just how truly, *truly* wide the world is.
The thought that there are lands I’ve never seen beyond that horizon, filled with all sorts of living things, makes my heart race with excitement.
Beneath this water’s surface, too, dwell creatures beyond my imagination.
And far beyond the sky I look up at, the universe expands. There are countless stars out there, and surely, worlds I know nothing about are spreading out infinitely.
Ever since I met Big Brother, my world has been expanding further and further, without limit.
...I feel like I want to just start running.
"Aslin. That’s enough for now."
"Ah, right. Sorry."
At Labyris-chan’s words, I stop the pose I was holding, arms spread wide, bathing my whole body in the wind.
That was close. I almost started running right then and there.
"It felt so good, I just couldn't help myself."
"I understand. We can enjoy it to our hearts' content after we're finished."
"That’s right. Let’s play with Yuki too once we’re done."
"Yeah."
We nod to each other.
Let’s do our jobs properly, and then, let’s go play with Big Brother and the others.
With that, I stare down at the surface of the water...
"Shi-chan, I’m counting on you."
"Understood. Leave it to me."
As I speak, the water rises, and Shi-chan and the others show their faces.
"Shira-chan, are you ready?"
"Understood."
"Sahuagin, do your best!"
"Yes!"
As we give our orders, everyone who came along begins their operations in unison.
"...Shi-chan, will they be alright?"
"They’ll be fine. They are Sea Dragons, after all. And Yuki is the one who gave the instructions."
"That’s right. It’s Brother’s strategy."
"You’re right. It’ll be fine. It’s Big Brother’s plan, after all."
Yes, we are currently deploying our forces to deal with the Hein fleet approaching Aurelia Port.
Big Brother entrusted me with the field command of the monsters.
*"Aslin. Try taking command of the monsters. You can do it, right?"*
That’s what he told me.
He also said I didn't have to do it if I didn't want to.
But I only had one answer.
I want to be useful to Big Brother!!
He finally entrusted me with a major task; there is no way I would ever refuse.
I learned how to manage the work from Steve and the others, properly organized the troops, and made it all the way here.
"Aslin. Are you nervous?"
"Hmm. I don't know. Oh, but since I'm in my 'true' form rather than my usual small self, it feels a bit strange."
"Now that you mention it, that’s true. Today, you’re Super Aslin! You look so cool!"
"Thank you, Firia-chan."
Since this is a proper military job today, I’m using the Doppelganger form that is grown up.
"Indeed. You look like a fine, mature lady. But don't push yourself too hard."
"Yeah, I know. Labyris-chan."
"Good. Stay calm, just like always. But don't act as cheerfully as you do when you're in your small form."
"Yes, understood!"
"Understood!"
"Fufu. Then, I'll end my lecture as your big sister. From here on out, it’s work time. Now, although this is an emergency formation, General Aslin, please give your orders to the Underwater Monster Army."
Prompted by Labyris-chan, I turn on the communication function.
"Everyone—no, to the Underwater Monster Army. From this moment on, our Underwater Monster Army will take up positions to monitor the Hein fleet and prepare for suppression actions in the event of an emergency. This is our first mission, but I believe that our army will surely accomplish it... Operation start!"
*"*"*"Understood!!!"*"*"*
The moment they responded to my command in unison, they began moving toward their assigned positions with much greater intensity than before.
"My, my, everyone is quite enthusiastic."
"Naturally. It’s Aslin’s first battle as a general! Firia and Labyris are giving it our all for Aslin!"
"Well, that’s true. Since Aslin has finally received an official position, I’ll do my best as well."
Saying that, Firia-chan and Labyris-chan are brimming with motivation.
Both of them volunteered to be my adjutants and came along for my sake.
They are friends I’m proud of.
Yes, there is nothing to hesitate about. There is Big Brother, who raised me—raised us—to this point, and the big sisters.
There are all the people I’ve met on my adventures.
I can do this.
"..."
*Splash, splash...*
I was full of spirit, but once the mission began, there wasn't much to do, and all I could hear was the sound of the leisurely waves.
"...Nothing is happening."
"Our main task is monitoring and containment, so this is to be expected."
"Big Brother said the same thing, but we need to be patient here, Firia-chan."
"Umu... This is completely different from blacksmithing."
"Well, yes, it is. Just holding this is part of the job. In three hours, the aircraft carrier Lilishe will enter this sea area and join us, and that’s when things will start moving."
"And after that, the Hein fleet is scheduled to arrive in four hours."
"That’s so loooong!"
"You don't have to just sit here and do nothing, you know."
"Yeah. I was told we could return once we’ve confirmed the situation on the ground to a certain extent."
"Then, shall we head back?"
"That’s for Aslin to decide. What will you do?"
"Yeah, I'll stay here a little longer."
I opened the nautical chart of the vicinity on the monitor and re-examined the current location of the Hein fleet and the deployment of Shira-chan and the others.
I might have overlooked something, after all.
"Muu. Maybe coming here by solo flight was a mistake. Even if I wanted to do something to kill time, there isn't even space to spread anything out."
"We're here for a covert operation, so it can't be helped. If we brought a ship, it would be obvious that we're monitoring them."
Perhaps because Firia-chan is used to blacksmithing, where she is constantly moving her body, she seems to struggle with sitting still.
I have various tasks to attend to, so I manage not to get bored, but Firia-chan’s job is just real-time confirmation of the troops, and since nothing is happening, she seems bored.
Just staring at a monitor for a long time is really tough, isn't it?
"In that case, should Firia return first?"
"No way! Firia and the others are always together!"
"Thank you. Then, could you listen to what I have to say?"
"Of course. You can consult Firia about anything."
"I'm all ears, too."
"Yeah, thank you. Well, I’ve been a bit worried about something..."
I decided to consult the two of them about something that has been on my mind for the past few days.
"First off, we brought Princess Palfil along on the aircraft carrier, but I wonder if there’s any point to that?"
That’s right. When we found out the main Hein fleet was approaching, Big Brother said we should set up a place for discussion again.
That is such a "Big Brother" decision—not wanting to fight needlessly.
But for that discussion...
"Mumu... Firia doesn't really understand those difficult things. But if Brother and the others decided it, then it must be right."