第１０９４堀：大森林の調査技術員は？ (Part1)
Chapter 1094: The Great Forest’s Survey Technician?
Side: Yuki
"Yuki-sama. We understand our roles, but what exactly do you intend to do at the Lancer Magic Academy yourself?"
"Huh? Ah, I suppose I hadn't mentioned that, had I?"
It took Stasia’s prompt for me to realize it. My work is rather understated, after all. Not that it would change much whether I told them or not. Still, Kagura and the others looked curious, so I might as well fill them in. There’s no reason to keep it a secret.
"My job is to conduct a survey of the Great Forest while you all are spending your time as exchange students."
"The Great Forest?"
"Yeah. You know that the mana depletion phenomenon on this If Continent is quite severe, right?"
"Yes. We’ve heard that mana consumption is several times higher here than on other continents."
"As Mikos says, the depletion is so bad that magic consumption is multiplied. But it varies by location. There are actually regions with high consumption and others with low consumption."
"Oh? That’s strange. So, is this 'Great Forest' a place related to that mana level?"
"Exactly. It’s a region that, despite being on a continent suffering from such intense mana depletion, still teems with monsters."
"I see. Monsters, you say. I’ve heard that monsters cannot be born without mana. I understand now—this Great Forest is a special place on the If Continent."
"That’s the gist of it. That’s why I’m surveying it. Well, the monsters there are powerful, so it also serves as a culling operation. If monsters like that descended into human settlements, it would be a catastrophe. Plus, it would cause the Lancer Magic Academy, which manages the forest, to lose face. So, the survey is necessary for that reason as well."
Ultimately, surveying the Great Forest also serves as support for the Lancer Magic Academy. Of course, it’s also for the sake of the research that is my true objective for Weed. This time, I fully intend to investigate it thoroughly. I’ve taken enough detours until now.
"So, has there been any movement in the Great Forest lately?"
"Nothing in particular. It’s peaceful. Well, that’s because Weed’s units have been coming by and hunting the big ones without anyone noticing. Even so, I haven’t heard from the Mercenary Guild that the number of monsters has decreased, so it seems the Great Forest itself hasn't changed its nature as a source of monsters."
"I see. The powerful monsters are still nesting, then. That’s also a mystery. I mean, if they just took one step forward, a vast new feeding ground would be open to them."
"That is something I am greatly thankful for. Thanks to that, I can deal with them easily now, but before I met you, Yuki-dono, I had to face them with a 'do-or-die' resolve—and that was only for one or two of them."
"Ah, so that’s why you came over here for training so quickly."
After Popuri reconciled with Comet and Hifii on the If Continent, she spent some time training at Weed. At the time, I didn’t say or ask much because strengthening our allies is always welcome, but it seems it was to protect this place. When I heard about the Wyvern and rushed out to protect the first-year students, I ended up getting beaten up by Kuro-chan, who was already there. She must have been worried about that.
"Still, I haven’t had a chance to show off the results of that training yet. Personally, if I didn't have to worry about mana diffusion or mana surveys, I’d like to hunt down all the powerful monsters in the Great Forest as soon as possible."
"Don't do that. There might be clues to the Great Stampede and the mana depletion phenomenon there. Well, I understand how you feel, Popuri."
It’s a natural reaction, given that she’s asking to overlook a threat that has constantly endangered their own lives right next door. However, from my perspective, the Great Forest of this If Continent is a crucial location for investigating the mana depletion, so I don't want the environment to change.
"So, Yuki-dono. It’s fine that Kagura and the others are exchange students, but do you intend to survey the Great Forest all by yourself? You don’t seem to have any other members with you."
"Ah, Zargis and Agil will be coming as support this time. Both of them have work they’re currently in charge of, so they’ll join up once that’s finished."
"Support? That means there’s a main person in charge, then. Who is it?"
Just as Popuri started to ask, the door to the President’s office slammed open again.
"That would be me! Popuri!"
The person who burst in with enough energy to look like they had a colorful starburst pattern behind them was Popuri’s mentor, and my predecessor on this If Continent...
"Ah, I thought so."
"Wait? Why is your reaction so flat!?"
Yes, this woman who constantly slips up in every way possible is...
"No, if you hadn't come, I would have gone to drag you out myself. Well, I suppose you pass for now."
"Wait—? Isn't it strange for a disciple to be the one giving the passing grade? Right, Lara?"
"Er, I can't really comment on that. However, it is reassuring to have you here, Comet-sama."
Yes, the eye of the storm on this If Continent. The source of all evil. Comet Tail herself.
"Hey, Yuki. I feel like I just got a really rude look from your side."
"No, it’s just your imagination. Anyway, there is no one more qualified for this on this continent."
"That’s true. So, Master, please work hard."
Popuri agreed with my assessment and gave her mentor a bright smile while telling her to "work hard." Well, when it comes strictly to magic-related research and development, she is a technician on par with Narjia-san. If we limit it to that, there isn't a shred of reason to doubt her.
"Geez, couldn't you be a little kinder to me? Or rather, when do I get my reward?"
"Ah, my bad. I forgot about that. Let me know if there’s anything you want. I’ll prepare it. Within the limits of what I can provide, of course."
"Hmm, things you can provide, huh... Well, I’ll think about it. So, the job is the survey of the Great Forest, right?"
"Yes. That’s right."
"That Great Forest, huh..."
"Come to think of it, Comet knows about the Great Forest, too."
"Of course. This academy was originally the site of an orphanage for children I secretly protected. So, I know very well how troublesome that Great Forest is."
In that case, there is no one more qualified than Comet. A thought suddenly occurred to me.
"Come to think of it, I’ve never heard you talk about the Great Forest, Comet."
"No, I did once. When I reconciled with you and the others, didn't I talk about the possibility of a Great Magic Circle and the Great Stampede?"
"Well, that was hearing about the Great Forest, but we haven't touched on the survey yet. The direction was different."
That was closer to a status report than a discussion about the Great Forest. It certainly wasn't at a research level.