第１０６４堀：答えは聞いたかい？ (Part1)
Chapter 1064: Did You Hear the Answer?
Side: Agil
*Whooooosh...*
From beyond the window, I hear the sound of a fierce wind howling—the kind you’d never encounter in a normal setting. It’s another day of relentless blizzard. At this rate, the survey of the mountain range isn’t going to make any progress.
"Still, when things are like this, it’s the perfect time to analyze what we’ve collected so far."
I mutter this to myself as I reach for the documents I just finished printing.
"Hmm. As I thought, it’s not here."
I’m comparing the "certain analysis results" I requested from Zargis—which just arrived—against the various data I’ve compiled on my computer screen. Yet, a specific something is still missing.
"...There isn't a single trace of magical residue from a dungeon. In other words, if you’re asking whether there was ever a dungeon in this great mountain range, the answer is no."
Well, that was something I had predicted—or rather, been certain of—from the very beginning. The great mountain range is a place where it’s difficult to manifest a dungeon due to the influence of the Great Barrier created by Hairen. Even though the restrictions have eased up now, the chances of a dungeon being established here, even if a Dungeon Master like Gaeen had visited, were infinitesimally low.
"We haven't searched a large enough area to be absolutely certain, but gathering information on Gaeen is looking tough," I murmur to myself, casting my gaze toward the map of the region.
The map is divided into a grid of squares. Though the total number of squares is vast, only a few are marked with red 'X's. Those are the areas we’ve already surveyed. Since information on Gaeen is so scarce, we’ve been operating under the hypothesis that he might have manifested a dungeon somewhere to hide. We’ve been dividing the map into one-kilometer squares, collecting soil samples, and checking for any lingering traces of dungeon manifestation.
It’s not a guaranteed method, but it’s better than doing nothing. Having a survey strategy at all is a step up.
"Still, it’s quiet. I like it."
Our lab in Weed is soundproofed and reasonably quiet, but here, it feels as though everything is enveloped by the wind and snow. There is wind, yes, but it’s just the sound of nature. It seems this environment suits me; it helps me concentrate.
Right, one more push.
Just as I reach for the next document, someone takes my hand.
"Oh? Well, if it isn't my beloved husband. What’s the matter, Yuki?"
I turn around to confirm, and sure enough, it’s Yuki who has taken my hand. Behind him, as always, are his guards, Riel and Tori. Riel, however, seems a bit restless.
"What do you mean 'what's the matter'? It’s already time for dinner."
"Hm? Is it that late already? My, how time flies."
Ah, I see. That explains why Riel was fidgeting. I must have been too absorbed in my work. I glance at the clock; it’s already past 18:00. I need to head home.
"I heard you weren't going to be in the lab all day, yet here you are."
"I wonder why. But I can really focus here. Wait just a moment."
I place the documents on the table, quickly save the data I was looking at on the computer, and stand up from my chair.
"Right, let’s go."
"Oh, you’re quick to move when it’s time to go home."
"Well, Yuki is here, after all."
"But Agil, what exactly are you investigating here?"
"Hm? I’m conducting a magical survey of each sector. If the person who might be Gaeen is a real Dungeon Master, he would at least manifest a dungeon before dying, right? Given the information we’ve gathered so far, he seemed reasonably strong, so I’m assuming he would have at least created a dungeon to bivouac."
"Eh? What does that mean in the end?"
Oh dear, that was too difficult for Riel, wasn't it?
"Riel, to put it simply, he’s looking for traces of a dungeon."
"Ah, I see!"
"Yes, exactly. Thanks, Tori."
As expected of someone who has known her for so long, Tori’s handling of Riel is swift. It’s not that I don’t like Riel—regardless of her intelligence, she’s the type of person who just makes you feel energized by being around her.
Just as I’m feeling warmed by the thought, Riel, who seemed to have understood, suddenly turns toward me...
"So, did you find any traces of a dungeon?"
"No, unfortunately not. And with this blizzard, we haven't even been able to go out and survey lately."
I point to the window. The blizzard hasn't let up; it’s a complete whiteout. It’s not a romantic "silver world" landscape—it’s just white.
"Oh, wow! That’s a real blizzard! Maybe I should go outside and take a look..."
" "No!!" "
Tori and I immediately stop her from committing such a suicidal act.
"Eek!? Y-you don't have to say it so harshly in unison... I mean, just for a little bit... right, Yuki?"
Riel immediately tries to seek Yuki’s agreement, but going outside in this weather would lead to getting lost and stranded in an instant. If you underestimate the mountains, you die. That’s why Tori and I were so firm.
Yuki, understanding this, says:
"If you do that here, it’ll be a nuisance to Agil, so don't. If you really want to experience it, go try it in the military training snowfields."
"Ehh!? That place is brutal!?"
"Isn't that the level of intensity you wanted to experience?"
"Eh? Is it at that level here?"
"Yes. So, let’s go home quietly and have dinner. We’re keeping everyone waiting."
"Yeah. Got it."
How obedient... or perhaps Yuki was just explaining the threat level. Come to think of it, I wonder what kind of military training that is. I can imagine Steve and the others being the main ones running it, but choosing a route like this seems extreme. Even Riel seems to be doing training at that level.
Hmm, there are still so many mysteries in Weed that I don't know about.
Well, setting my questions aside, it’s time for dinner.
" " "Itadakimasu." " "
Thanks to Yuki, we returned without any strange trouble, and we begin our meal with a proper greeting. Today’s menu is white rice, regular steak, and tuna steak, along with salad and soup. Oh, a steak feast. Having both meat and fish is likely to cater to our individual preferences. Naturally, I’ll be having both.
Mmm, both the beef and the tuna are delicious. As everyone is enjoying their dinner, Comet speaks up:
"So, Agil. How’s the survey of the great mountain range going?"
"Hm? Ah, Comet. No particular progress. Besides, it’s a blizzard over there every single day."
"Ehh. Again?"
Milly joins the conversation as well. She had been participating in the survey of the mountain range with me, after all. While Aslin and the others were busy investigating—or rather, securing—the monsters, she had been working to assist with my survey.