第９７３堀：疑問の答え (Part2)
"Ah, General Aslin, please rest easy. You don't need to worry about that. If there were any adventurers who considered the job 'complete' based on that alone, they would be nothing more than greenhorns or fools who know nothing."
It seems Aslin's concerns were unnecessary after all. As expected of top-tier adventurers; they are sensitive to these kinds of things.
"Still, it's impressive that you noticed this. Even we only realized what we’d overlooked after receiving word from Yuki. Honestly, it’s embarrassing as an adventurer. And Aslin, you’re amazing."
Raiya said this with a wry smile, then made sure to properly praise Aslin. Raiya is always thoughtful like that; it’s no wonder he’s a popular teacher at the school.
"No... I’ve been with Shi-chan and the others the whole time, so I felt something was off. There were so few monsters that tried to fight us even near the sea."
"Ah, now that you mention it, that’s true. We didn't actually have many battles with monsters near the sea, did we?"
"It is so. We did not encounter any monsters. Most of them seemed to have fled," Firia added.
Just as Firia said, we didn't have any random encounters with wild monsters on our way to those waters. According to the Sahagins, monsters were present, but they would flee the moment they caught sight of us.
"That’s likely because Shi-chan and the others were in a combat-ready stance. High-ranking monsters naturally exude magic and pressure. The more wild a monster is, the more likely it is to avoid danger."
"True. Well, unfortunately, the situation at sea isn't much of a reference."
I see. It’s easy to forget, but not only are we strong, but Steve and his subordinates are also a cut above the average monster. It makes sense that wild monsters would be wary of them. Still, it’s a shame it doesn't serve as a good baseline.
As I was thinking this, Aslin spoke up.
"I see. So, Curse-san, Raiya-san, what do you think about the rumors of the Great Stampede?"
Indeed, this is the perfect time to hear the opinions of the professionals.
"As I mentioned earlier, we are still investigating, so I cannot say for certain whether it occurred or not. However, I assume what General Aslin wants to hear is our 'long-standing intuition,' correct?"
"Yes."
"I want to hear it."
"Yes, I’d love to hear the opinion of top-tier adventurers."
"Please, do tell us."
As we answered without hesitation, Curse and Raiya exchanged glances...
"Good grief. You’re starting to sound just like Yuki. Is it because you’re a married couple?"
"Likely. Regardless, we are just happy to see you’ve grown up this way. As for our opinion..."
Raiya and Curse paused for a moment before continuing.
"A Great Stampede has likely not occurred."
"I agree. And what do you think, Mauve-san?"
"Eh?"
When Curse directed his question toward the closed door behind us...
"Hm? What’s this? Are you talking about the Great Stampede?"
The door opened, and Mauve peeked his head in. It seems he had just returned from the guild’s investigation.
"Yes. What is your take? Have you seen any signs that a Great Stampede occurred?"
"Aslin and the others want to hear your thoughts, Mauve. Give us your opinion."
"Well... I haven't gathered enough information to say for sure, but going by my gut, it’s far too quiet."
"Too quiet?"
"Yeah. I went to the Adventurer's Guild and checked the records for monster subjugation requests. The number of requests to take down packs is terrifyingly low. I don't know if that's just a characteristic of this region, but looking at the records, almost everything is a solo subjugation. And that’s been the case for the last decade."
"Is that unusual? Perhaps the soldiers of the Gusdo Kingdom were working as hard as the Zuraburu Great Empire?"
"Well, that’s a possibility, but... personally, I don't think a Great Stampede has occurred. At least, not in this region."
"Why can you say that so definitively?"
"It’s simple. I spoke not only to the head of the Adventurer's Guild but also to the old folks at the port. None of them have ever heard of a mountain of monsters swarming the area, nor have they heard stories of such a thing happening."
That is definitive proof that a Great Stampede hasn't occurred.
"Well, you’re heading to the Zuraburu Great Empire next, right? You should investigate that area thoroughly. We’ll keep gathering information around Aurelia Port. Take care of Yuki."
"Yeah, leave it to us."
"Leave it to us! Firia and the others will protect Brother!"
"Yes, and you all take care of yourselves too, Mauve."
"Understood. We’ll contact you immediately if anything happens."
So, while we didn't get any concrete confirmation, the situation suggests that a Great Stampede hasn't occurred for a long time. What could this possibly mean?
For now, it seems a Great Stampede of monsters has not occurred around Aurelia Port. However, Mauve and the others also seem to sense that something is off.
Our visit to the Imperial Capital of Zuraburu... will we find the answer there?