第１０３０堀：愛は無敵で大山脈の話 (Part2)
"I agree. And it’s not just the Hydra. Near the summit, there are wild Wyverns, Rock Ice Golems, and Salamanders. In the forested mid-slopes, we have Giant Snakes, Black Wolves, and Ogres. Furthermore, down at the foothills, while Goblins are one thing, it seems there are packs of Orcs as well."
"Hmm. I can't confirm the situation on the mid-slopes, but the Adventurer Guild’s reconnaissance records for the foothills are solid, so that’s certain. Given the strength of the Zurabl Empire’s army, they might be able to hold off the monsters on the mid-slopes. But if the monsters from near the summit descend, even the army could be wiped out unless they have Hero-class individuals—those over level 100. Perhaps Emperor Eupia could manage it?"
I haven't actually seen the level of the Hydra in the Great Mountain Range, but the 20-meter-class Hydras in Weed are generally around level 300. We could handle them easily, but it would be difficult for Emperor Eupia alone. Well, in that event, Aslin and the others would likely deploy, so the Emperor’s life isn't in immediate danger. However, the same cannot be said for the soldiers and citizens of the Zurabl Great Empire.
"The timing is terrible, isn't it? Ignoring it would be..."
"That won't do. We must trace Geen’s footsteps while simultaneously conducting a force assessment of the Great Mountain Range. With the Zurabl Great Empire currently launching an offensive against the Haine Empire, it would be quite disastrous if they were stabbed in the back."
"We must devote our strength to this as well... Ah, so that is why Kagura and the others are there."
Samantha seemed to realize it.
"Hmm. Yuki probably had Kagura and the others return to conduct research on the materials because he anticipated something like this might happen."
"Oh, I see. If something happens, it’s possible for Kagura and the others to head to the Great Mountain Range, right?"
"So, you’re leaving it to Kagura and the others to ensure the New Continent remains vigilant? However, this hasn't been communicated to them yet, has it?"
"Knowing Yuki, he probably wants them to realize it on their own. If things go poorly, there is a possibility that monsters could avalanche from the Great Mountain Range toward Kagura’s territory. But to just blurt that out suddenly..."
"They wouldn't believe it if you told them out of the blue, would they?"
"In the first place, Kagura and the others' countries are still... wait!! Akuenoki was near the Great Mountain Range!?"
That’s right—that troublesome former god is currently retraining near the Great Mountain Range.
"Hmm. For Yuki, the Great Mountain Range is likely a problem he wants to solve quickly. But since Akuenoki hasn't made a move yet, I think he’s struggling with how to approach the situation."
We have Akuenoki under surveillance, but so far, they have been quite earnestly retraining their body. If only they would hurry up and do something evil or connect with an enemy, we could just finish them off.
"We should apprehend them quickly. If they were to open a hole in Hairen’s barrier, it would be a catastrophe."
"They are certainly the type of person who would do such a thing."
"Ah, so that’s why we can’t make a careless approach. If we poke them the wrong way, there’s a possibility they might do something in retaliation."
"Hmm. Ria is correct. A clumsy approach could lead to them seeing our hand, or they might become desperate and do something that puts us at a disadvantage. Honestly speaking, I think we should just kill Akuenoki."
They are in an incredibly annoying position in this scenario. I don't think they are there because they foresaw this, but they are endlessly in the way. Yuki kept them alive for information gathering, but they have become a ticking time bomb.
"No, that’s a dangerous conversation, but killing Akuenoki is off the table."
It wasn't anyone who had been in the room until now who denied my opinion, but Yuki, who had just walked in.
"I understand your point, but there is another meaning to this. We have too little information. In this situation, if there is some connection, they will definitely move. If they don't move, they are innocent. If they do move, it would be better to capture them then and interrogate them. If we assassinate them, we won't gain any information."
"Muu."
Yuki is certainly right. Eliminating Akuenoki would mean abandoning the information.
"So, it seems the information on the Great Mountain Range has been compiled."
"Hmm. The monster data has been gathered. Now we just need to verify it."
I said that while sending the data to Yuki as well.
"Thanks, Cleena. And Ria, Jessica, Samantha. Thank you. I made you push yourselves."
"Hmm. No problem. We support Yuki. That is what we decided."
"That’s right. Please, keep relying on us."
"Yes. No matter where we are, we will be of use to Yuki."
"Exactly. Therefore, please don't overexert yourself."
And just like that, the thread holding Akuenoki’s neck together remained intact. Tch, if Yuki says so, then it can't be helped.
Conclusion: Love is invincible, so the Great Mountain Range will somehow work out.
Now then, who will be the members to challenge the Great Mountain Range?