第１０５１堀：邪魔者の対処 (Part2)
"Well, Seraria is right. Personally, I think the pitfall strategy is the most effective. Or rather, we should isolate that goddess as soon as possible. It’s unclear how she summoned those monsters in the first place—oh, an update just came in."
Following Comet’s lead, I looked at the monitor, where more detailed information was being displayed. This time, it showed her measurements and her inventory.
Her measurements were... well, average. They didn't compare to my wives, though they were at least above the baseline. The real problem was her inventory.
Her standard weapons and armor were of reasonably high performance, but what drew the most attention was...
"A Dungeon Core. Ah, so that’s how she summoned the monsters. I see, if she has a core, it’s only natural she could summon them instantly. But where did she get that core? I wonder, is it an import from Kagura’s side?"
"Th-that is..."
Kagura panicked at Comet’s remark. Well, if it turned out that monsters were appearing because of Magic Gear, she might even be blamed by Zurable. However, that worry was unnecessary.
"Kagura, calm down and look closely. That’s not Magic Gear. It says 'Dungeon Core.' In other words, what that goddess is holding is something she likely obtained in this land."
"In this land, Yuki-san? Doesn't that mean she took it from a dungeon?"
"Exactly. At her level, clearing a dungeon would be easy. Even Kirika and Steve’s group managed it without much trouble. And considering the sheer volume of monsters she summoned all at once, the core must have a significant amount of magical power."
That’s right; I doubt she used it all up just now. The core she’s holding likely still has plenty of capacity. Actually, she’s carrying multiple cores, too.
"As for the further question of how she got those Dungeon Cores, well, it leads to the question of whether there’s a Dungeon Master behind her..."
"Yeah, that’s a possibility. If her relationship with Hifi is anything like mine, that kind of thing happens."
"True, the situation is similar. Especially that attitude of picking fights with major powers."
"Ugh."
Having been struck by that verbal blow, Hifi reflexively clutched her chest.
"Still, she has zero planning. It looks like she absorbed the vanguard of the Hein Empire... but I think adding people like that to your side just slows you down. Ah, is it simply to gather faith?"
"Um, Yuki-san. It’s fine to think about the enemy, but isn't it bad if we don't provide support?"
"...Tori is right. If we don't hurry, they’ll be wiped out."
"Right, that takes priority."
On the map, the battle situation looked like it was being held down at a glance because both the Zurable Empire and the Hein Empire were fighting calmly. Even so, casualties were mounting steadily; the soldiers fighting on the front lines of both armies were dying one after another. Well, I suppose that’s expected when dealing with high-level monsters.
Still...
"It’s really strange that they didn't seize control of the terrain, though. Oops, never mind that—first, we need to isolate her."
I made my decision and contacted the Emperor of Eupia.
"Emperor Eupia, can you hear me?"
"Indeed. I hear you. It seems some great fool has appeared. And she is stronger than I thought. Perhaps she has some connection to my affairs, after all."
"Yes, that’s a possibility. But setting that aside, the casualties will only spread if we leave this as is. The information we’ve obtained indicates a formation of level 150 and 90 monsters. If you can push them back, we won't interfere, but...?"
"That is impossible. I do not wish to let my soldiers be slaughtered by such monsters. How should I move?"
"We will use terrain manipulation to drop the goddess and her monsters underground. Can you pull your enemies away and retreat so you aren't caught in it?"
"Let us try. Shou, can you do it?"
"Yes. If it is only temporary, I can manage it with the mages' high-output firepower. However, the level gap is severe, so I cannot buy much time. Is that acceptable?"
"That’s fine. We are monitoring the movements in real-time."
"Very well. Then move immediately. Our opponent is the Hein Empire. We have no time to deal with a goddess who has forced her way into our affairs."
Oh my, it seems the Emperor of Eupia has absolutely no interest in the goddess.
"Then, may we handle the goddess ourselves?"
"I leave it all to you. Besides, it seems we couldn't handle her anyway."
With his consent, we’ll take care of that useless goddess ourselves. People who aren't part of the cast shouldn't be on stage. The security guards will have to drag her off.
And perhaps, after seeing the information on the goddess, some of the mysteries have been solved, haven't they?