第９８２堀：危機の認識と情報共有 (Part1)
Chapter 982: Recognition of Crisis and Information Sharing
Side: Yuki
"……Truly a terrifying sight."
With the exception of Emperor Eupia, who voiced that impression, the high-ranking officials of the Zurable Empire remained frozen, their faces deathly pale as they watched the footage of the Great Monster Outbreak. Even Show, who was no exception, had his mouth hanging wide open, which spoke volumes about how shocking the footage was.
In reality, this footage was from a Great Monster Outbreak drill planned within Weed. Naturally, there were zero casualties. However, the town designated as the target for defense was judged to have been completely annihilated. After the drill ended, everyone had booed loudly, demanding that Steve and his team never be allowed to act as commanders for the monster side again.
Seraria, in particular, had been quite vocal. Although she had participated with her abilities restricted, she was still far from a level where she would lose to average monsters. Yet, she had been toyed with by Steve’s tactics and ultimately overwhelmed by sheer numbers.
Well, I secretly praised Steve later for a job well done—but that’s a secret. Seraria has a habit of getting overconfident and acting on her own because she thinks she’ll be fine. A little medicine like that is good for her once in a while.
But, putting the behind-the-scenes stories of the drill aside, I needed to talk about this Great Monster Outbreak.
"So, this is footage of an actual Great Monster Outbreak."
"……I see. Does such a terrifying event, where monsters swarm in groups like that, occur frequently in your lands?"
"Yes. When it happens, it’s not just the Adventurer’s Guild that has to respond; the nation itself must mobilize."
"That is only natural. So, you were investigating the situation in this region because you are concerned that the Great Monster Outbreak we just saw might occur at Aurelia Port?"
"Yes, that is correct."
Other worlds are such a pain, aren't they? Because things like massive monster swarms can happen. Ah, but I suppose a swarm of locusts isn't all that different?
"However, the fact that you, Yuki-dono, are investigating this so seriously means there must be a way to avoid it."
"That is correct. Well, it might be a stretch to call it a 'countermeasure,' but based on records, we have come to understand the signs that precede these outbreaks to a certain extent."
"Oh? And what kind of signs are those?"
As expected, a ruler would be concerned about a Great Monster Outbreak. However, I have to make sure I emphasize that this only applies to our continent. I need to drive that point home.
"I don't mind explaining, but please understand that this information is based on events in our territory. I’ve looked through your records, and as you said, Emperor Eupia, a Great Monster Outbreak has never occurred here. I want you to understand that distinction."
"Hmm. I understand. However, knowing that such a threat exists, I cannot simply turn a deaf ear to how to deal with it. I cannot bring myself to say that such a thing could never happen here."
"Understood. Then, in our lands..."
From there, I wrote the five potential signs of a Great Monster Outbreak on the whiteboard I had prepared:
* An increase in monster sightings and appearances.
* The occurrence of large-scale wars.
* The appearance of powerful, unique monsters.
* Mass migrations of animals.
* Mass deaths of flora and fauna.
There were more minute details, but those were still in the realm of speculation, so I decided to stick to these, which were almost certain.
"These are the most easily recognizable warning signs. I will provide you with detailed documentation later."
"Hmm. I appreciate that. Actually, could you give me those documents right now? I will instruct my subordinates to investigate immediately."
I was surprised by his immediate response, but it actually gave me a bad feeling.
"Do you have something in mind regarding the signs I just mentioned?"
"I do. As you know, we are engaged in large-scale wars here and there. It is true that there have been times when the disposal of corpses was delayed, leading to the emergence of zombie hordes. Back then, it was at most around a hundred, but I feel the need to confirm whether those disposal procedures are being carried out properly."
"I see. So, large-scale outbreaks of such monsters do occur after large-scale wars."
"Since they are artificial, they may differ from a true 'Great Monster Outbreak,' but hearing your story made me realize that an investigation is necessary. Well, the Adventurer’s Guild likely wouldn't have that kind of information. Since it concerns the battlefield, the military handles the disposal properly."
So that was why the Adventurer’s Guild didn't have that kind of information.
"……If you don't mind, could you tell me the locations where large-scale battles have taken place?"
"Hmm. Very well. Show."
"Yes."
Receiving the order, Show began marking the map without hesitation, just as he had when drawing the borders earlier. His memory is truly abnormal. He seems to remember the number of battles, the years, and even the seasons, adding that information fluently as he writes. Well, for my part, I’m grateful for it.
"Hmm. You said you’ve fought in many places, but it’s not as many as I thought."
"Yes. Since I wasn't sure where to draw the line for 'large-scale war,' I excluded skirmishes involving fewer than a thousand troops."
The Zurable Empire side says it's few, but there are still forty. That means there have been over forty clashes involving more than a thousand people. That’s a significant number. To not run out of steam after fighting this much—they are incredibly tough. Well, I suppose that just means they have the support of the people. Conversely, it shows just how hated the Hain Empire—or rather, the old Imperial faction—is.
……At this point, regardless of their reasons or arguments, I don't think the current administration can convince anyone unless they fall. But, the affairs of the Hain Empire or the old Imperial faction aren't my business. What I need to focus on right now is whether a Great Monster Outbreak will occur.
"What concerns me are the battles with particularly high numbers. That would be..."
"If you are talking about numbers, it would be the invasion of the Gusdo Kingdom. It was the largest war in the last five years. Well, the content of it was just us unilaterally crushing the Gusdo Kingdom, though."
Emperor Eupia answered that nonchalantly. He probably says it so easily because Princess Palfil isn't here, but if she were to hear it, I fear she might snap.
"I didn't think they wouldn't retreat even when faced with an army of 80,000."
"That was a major miscalculation. In our strategy meeting, we assumed that if we led an army of 80,000, they would surrender relatively quickly. Well, it was organized in a way that wouldn't be a problem even if it turned into a war."
Ah, well, I suppose so. If you’re going to adopt a strategy of winning before fighting, gathering more troops than the enemy to apply pressure is a winning tactic that has been chosen throughout history, everywhere. Well, that’s why military strategists and advisors exist—to overturn such orthodox tactics. But the first thing those people say is: don't challenge the enemy while at a disadvantage. That’s only natural.
Since they can't do that, they use desperate measures to arrange the situation so that they can fight with their own forces in the majority, even if only temporarily or partially. That leads to formations, tactics, and strategy.
However...
"No matter how many enemies there were, they probably couldn't retreat. People are not creatures that move based solely on reality."
"That is true. We, too, stand to overturn reality, and that is why we are here now. So, the Gusdo Kingdom was the same, then."