第９７８堀：情報をどう探し出すのか？ (Part1)
**Chapter 978: How to Dig Up Information?**
**Side: Comet**
"Hmm, hmm. Now this is some interesting material I’ve gotten my hands on."
I muttered this to myself as I scanned through the data that had been sent over.
*“Thankfully, it seems this Adventurer Guild headquarters kept their records in good order.”*
"The reason there was so little information at the Aurelia Port guild was probably because it wasn't the headquarters, right?"
*“Likely. Plus, they seem to be at odds with the adventurer guilds on the side of the former Imperial faction, so that’s probably a factor too.”*
"Ah, so in this continent, it’s not just the nations that are at each other's throats."
*“That’s the long and short of it.”*
What a cutthroat world. Well, I suppose that’s just how things go. I’ve always hated that kind of environment, which is why I ended up holing myself up in the countryside.
"Anyway, the task is to analyze these documents, right?"
*“Yeah. We don’t have the luxury of taking our sweet time investigating over here. I’m counting on you, Ria and the others.”*
"But Yuki-san, these documents are mostly just adventurer reports, aren't they?"
"Indeed. They are nothing more than reports detailing where they fought what kind of monsters. How could this possibly be useful?"
Oh dear, it seems Ria and Jessica don't quite grasp the value of what’s written in these reports. I was just wondering how to explain it to the two of them when Agil chimed in...
*“Jessica, you said these reports tell us where and how many monsters appeared, right? If you plot those onto a map, you’ll be able to visualize the frequency and scale of monster appearances. And do you know what that signifies...”*
"...Mm. I understand. If we do that, we can compare it with the Rogari data to see if it’s a precursor to a Great Stampede."
"“I see.”"
Exactly. These adventurer reports contain records of the regions, numbers, and timing of monster appearances. That means we have the most vital information needed to predict a Great Stampede.
*“As expected of Cleena. Well, we don’t know how accurate each individual report is, but this gives us a clear picture of the monster hotspots in the territory held by the Zurable Great Empire. Also, pay attention to the monster types. There might be new species, so keep an eye out for that too.”*
"Understood. We shall investigate the matter of new monster species as well."
This is great. A mountain of data that might contain monsters we’ve never even encountered before. It’s overflowing with romance. To put it simply, it’s like finding new species in a certain monster-collecting game.
"Leave the monster investigation to us, and please focus on the meetings with the Zurable Great Empire, Yuki-sama. Especially the talk regarding the Hein Empire—it’s unsettling even to us, and we only know the contents."
*“Understood. Once the data collection is finished, I’ll focus on that. But don’t push yourselves. You have babies to look after, after all.”*
"““Yes!””"
They all replied in unison. Of course, I have no intention of letting them overexert themselves either. And that reminded me of that country.
"Ah, speaking of which, that’s right. The Hein Empire, was it? The idiots who hadn't shown any movement for the longest time finally decided to act, didn't they?"
*“That’s right. Wait, Comet, were you interested in the Hein Empire? You usually have zero interest in national strategy, don't you?”*
"Ah, I don't have any interest in that stuff. But even to me, it’s a bizarre story. Well, it’s not like anything in particular is bothering me, so don't ask for my opinion."
Unfortunately, I’m just a humble researcher. Troublesome things like national strategy are best left to Hifi and Taizo-san. Still, the Hein Empire is something that’s stuck in my memory.
"Well, like Samantha said, be careful. Oh, by the way, you entrusted a radio to that fleet, right? How is that going?"
That’s right, I went out of my way to hand over a radio to investigate that mysterious empire. Well, it wasn't just a simple radio; it had quite a few extra features attached to it.
*“Yeah, for now, there’s no new information from that end. Well, based on the transmitter’s signal, they’re currently at sea and on their way back. And the Sheila-chan unit tailing them from underwater is in the same boat.”*
"They’re slow, aren't they? At this rate, it’s going to take quite a while before we get any real information on the Hein Empire’s mainland, isn't it?"
*“That’s about right. If we get hit with a tidal wave of information, we won't be able to process it in time.”*
"That’s true, too."
We’re busy enough over here organizing monster data, plus there’s the negotiation with the Zurable Great Empire. On top of that, gathering intelligence on the Hein Empire—it’s all just too much. As I was thinking that, a thought crossed my mind.
"Hey, Yuki."
*“What is it?”*
"You know, I’ve been feeling really fulfilled since I came to Weed."
*“Is that so? That’s good to hear.”*
"Yeah. Lots of research subjects, a world that feels like a game, and delicious food. Truly, it’s a wonderful environment. But, you know, I’ve definitely become much busier than I was in my previous life."
*“Well, that’s because there’s a lot to do. Isn't that better than being bored?”*
"That’s certainly true. But leisurely time is also irreplaceable. So, I’d like about a month off."
*“No. Give it up.”*
"A flat refusal!?"
*“Obviously. Besides, in your case, even if I gave you time off, you’d probably just come to the lab and start doing things on your own anyway.”*
"I won't deny that."
For me, research and games are synonymous with breathing, after all.
*“Well, I’ll consider a short break. But if you ask for a long one, Hifi will definitely show up to manage you.”*
"Ah, she would. Hifi would absolutely come."
I thought Hifi would settle down after getting married, but she still comes to look after me—or rather, check up on me—with such diligence. She’s as nagging as ever.
*“Anyway, if you want that short break for sure, then investigate the Great Stampede thoroughly. If you can lead us to the right answer, I’ll promise you that break.”*
"You make it sound easy, but that’s a pretty tall order, isn't it?"
*“Maybe. Still, there’s been no trace of a Great Stampede here yet. The backlash of what that might look like is too terrifying to contemplate. If it’s just me worrying over nothing, then fine, but I’d hate to have no countermeasures in place if something actually happens.”*
"I get that. For me, too, the mana depletion phenomenon and the Great Stampede were my main research subjects."
Actually, back then, I got slashed right across the back because of how I handled the Great Stampede. Well, that was my own fault.
*“That’s why. The data from the Rogari continent, the data you collected yourself on the If continent, and now the data from the Zurable Great Empire. You are the one who can utilize this better than anyone, Comet. It has to be you. Neither Taizo-san nor I can match you in that regard.”*
"Oh. I’m being relied upon quite a bit, aren't I?"
*“Yeah, after all, you have the wisdom of age, having lived much longer than us!”*
"Shut up! The number of years I’ve been awake isn't that different from you, Yuki!"
Honestly... I thought he was complimenting me, but then he went and insulted me right to my face!