第１０１６堀：知らないことは考えに入りにくい (Part2)
"Yes. However, it is a double-edged sword. Unless it is perfectly controlled like Weed, there is a possibility that monsters will overflow. Well, we do hold events to cull them precisely to prevent that from happening."
"……I see. Wait, hold on. Now that I think about it, is that why the Adventurer Guilds in the East didn't side with us?"
"Yes. I suspect they were avoiding the fear of having their precious assets—the dungeons—taken away, as well as the confusion and damage that would result from being unable to cull the monsters."
"Hmm, that is likely. But would that guild master really discuss things with us without taking such a matter into account?"
We have been entirely focused on defeating the Hein Empire, but there is no way the guild master would be ignorant of these circumstances regarding dungeons. After all, the Adventurer Guilds are also aiming for unification.
"It is strange that it didn't even come up in conversation, but conversely, it is information that is almost too obvious. Perhaps the guild master assumed we had already factored it in?"
"……Hmm. That is entirely possible. Regardless, we must consider these things for any territory that possesses a dungeon. My apologies. Aslin and the others, is this the sort of thing you wanted to hear about?"
Oh dear, oh dear. I ended up having a discussion while ignoring the very people who asked the questions. However, as expected of my friends, they answered with smiles, not a hint of displeasure.
"Yeah. Dungeons are super dangerous, so I was wondering what you'd do when you attack the Hein Empire."
"That's right. We hadn't heard anything about dungeon攻略 (conquest) in our discussions so far, so we were a little worried."
"I see. Indeed. That was certainly a glaring omission."
"Yes. In Zurable, we have never encountered a dungeon, so we have never once considered how to deal with such things."
They speak of it as if it were natural, but this issue, without exaggeration, could sway the outcome of this battle. If we had marched in without knowing this, we would have suffered painful losses due to the vested interests of the dungeons and their immense military power.
Labyris and Shera, hearing our response, spoke as if it were unexpected.
"My, it's strange that not only Emperor Yupia but even the Great Strategist Show would fail to notice that."
"Well, it is difficult to grasp and plan for things that don't exist in your own territory."
"I appreciate the support, Shera, but as Labyris says, it is indeed a blunder that I hadn't noticed until now."
"Indeed. Well, we have successfully invaded the Hein Empire side until now, and since there was no reason to find it strange that we hadn't encountered a dungeon, I suppose we grew complacent. At any rate, if we continue our invasion, it means the Hein Empire may pull monsters out of their dungeons and add them to their fighting force."
I see. So this is the downside of things going too well until now. Well, it was a stroke of luck to have met Yuki, and since we have realized the danger now, it is fine. I must tell the operations department to tighten their guard.
"……Hmm. So, if things go poorly, there is a possibility that Wyvern units could exist on the enemy side as well. Wait. You mentioned earlier that if dungeons aren't culled, monsters will overflow, right?"
"Yes, I did. Oh, is that what you mean? Are you referring to the Great Monster Stampede that Yuki-sama explained?"
"Yes, that is it. But I have heard no such stories. Even if it were in the East, if a massive number of monsters appeared and harmed a nation, it should have reached our ears, should it not?"
"……I have never heard of such stories either. Labyris-dono, is a Great Stampede originating from a dungeon even possible?"
To our questions, Labyris wore a slightly troubled expression...
"……Yes. It is possible. In fact, Great Stampedes originating from dungeons are more common than naturally occurring ones. After all, it is something that a Dungeon Master can cause artificially."
That answer presented a truly terrifying future.
"……Labyris. Can you arrange a meeting with Yuki-dono as soon as possible? I need to consult with him urgently regarding the future invasion of the Hein Empire."
"Yes, I understand. But please, don't misunderstand—I didn't keep this information to myself intentionally."
"I understand that well. You wanted to avoid the hostility that would arise from our ignorance, correct? However, that is absolutely impossible now. And I truly need your help."
I swear it with my entire existence. The battle from here on out... if we take one step, no, even half a step in the wrong direction, something catastrophic will happen.
There are many things we knew about but didn't factor into our plans. Things we didn't think were problems that actually were. Because they aren't in our own knowledge base, we tend to ignore them. That happens to everyone. This is a story about just that.
And based on that, what kind of strategy will we devise? Ah, and I know the very reasonable opinion that "I can't understand it without looking at a map!"... but since I, the Snowman, don't have the confidence to memorize the map and create a solid strategy, please imagine the map from the text! Sorry about that!