第１０４０堀：手に入れたものは最大限に利用する (Part2)
Those who know the true potential of Aslin and the others would surely want to incorporate them into their own fighting forces by any means necessary.
I would think the same.
It’s easy to assume that children can be easily exploited, and if something goes wrong, it can be brushed off as "just something the kids did."
Well, that’s exactly why we decided to dispatch them to the Great Mountain Range this time.
"So, if we help them too openly, we’d have to demand something in return... and that’s why you decided to protect them in secret, right?"
"Yeah. If we protect them in a way that no one knows or notices, it won’t affect the reputation of the Zurable Great Empire, and we won’t have to demand any compensation. After all, that’s the biggest advantage."
"Dealing with the aftermath of a war, like reparations, is truly exhausting. Both for the ones receiving and the ones paying."
"Both sides are left drained. The idea that you’ll prosper just by seizing the enemy’s land is nothing but a fantasy."
You have to consider not just the reconstruction costs, but also the livelihood of the people living on that land.
It’s not as simple as just handing over money or territory and calling it a day.
The "aftermath" comes for both the victor and the loser.
And that is incredibly, incredibly difficult.
Besides, Weed doesn't have the capacity to manage that kind of territory at all.
After all, we don't have the manpower.
That is precisely why this kind of participation is ideal.
From our perspective, as long as we can investigate the magic depletion phenomenon, that’s all that matters.
"True, lack of hassle is a good thing. We’ll just take a small token of gratitude later. And now, all that’s left is to wait for the Zurable Great Empire to attack the Forma Kingdom. Is there any movement on their end?"
"No. To begin with, the Forma Kingdom doesn't seem to have the slightest inkling that they’re about to be attacked. The Second Army has finished reorganizing at the royal capital and has started moving, but they seem to be concealing it well. It seems the Third Army, led by General Mirabel, is doing a great job of drawing the enemy’s attention."
"The enemy, huh... It seems the fall of the Nodal Kingdom is indeed having an impact on the surroundings. Come to think of it, hasn't there been any report of the enemy leading dungeon monsters against the Third Army?"
"I haven't heard any reports of that nature. And nothing has been picked up by our dungeon defense lines either. Honestly, we really can't gather any information on the enemy at all. It’s becoming increasingly likely that a Dungeon Master isn't involved in this at all."
I find it incredibly strange.
Even though they have such convenient base-building technology, it’s as if it’s all a thing of the past.
"Well, in any case, since there’s no movement, we have no choice but to take it slow."
"Yeah. We’ll leave all the attacking to Zurable and focus entirely on defense. The only offensive support will be the tank divisions. That said, as long as a Dungeon Master doesn't show up, it shouldn't be a problem. They’re likely seasoned veterans when it comes to conventional warfare, after all."
"Understood. I’ll grant the authorization. Please go ahead with the construction of the defense line."
"Understood. I’ll get started right away."
With that, I left Seraria’s office with the signed documents in hand.
Now, things are going to get busy.
I have to finish setting up the mobile defense before Zurable begins their assault on the Forma Kingdom.
The gates are already connected, but we still haven't decided on the operational methods or how many troops to send through.
"Kirika. Are you there?"
"Yes. I am here."
"I’ve received authorization for the mobile defense. Gather Steve and the others at the field command center."
"Understood."
The forces I can mobilize here are basically just the monster army.
Of course, if push comes to shove, we could use Weed’s regular forces, but I want to avoid that if possible.
I just hope the Dungeon Master stays out of it.
Or, at the very least, I hope the enemy force is of a scale that Steve and his unit can handle.
Regardless, I have to do everything I can.
There’s always a possibility that the enemy could start moving at any moment.
"Still, to prevent this from happening again in the future, we need to re-examine the core of our strategy. If we keep doing things like this, there’s no telling when the opposition to the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance might start making moves in the Rogari or If continents..."
Thinking about the future, not just this war, is enough to drain my motivation.
Still, I have no choice but to do it.
Anyway, first, I’ll solve the problem right in front of me. That’s all I can do.
Yes. Don't go calling this a "defeat strategy" or anything.
I’ve made sure that travel time won’t be an issue here, so it should be fine!