第１１０４堀：大森林の大きさ (Part2)
I see. So, despite being mocked and ridiculed, she has continued to head out into the field to conduct her ecological observations with such diligence that her spirit simply refuses to break.
"Yes, your assessment is correct. For now, here is what we have confirmed..."
Yuki said this as he produced a document from his item box.
Oh my, isn't that supposed to be classified information?
If I recall, the contents concern the distribution of monsters within the Great Forest, right?
Well, it is the perfect material for Wazfi.
Since she will be working primarily with monsters from here on out, he is showing her this to fully draw her into the fold.
"It is all written in this report. Take a look through it."
"This is quite thick, isn't it?"
Without a moment’s hesitation, Wazfi took the report and began flipping through the first few pages to read as instructed... Oh, she froze.
Then, she began turning the pages with frantic intensity, devouring the contents.
"Hey now. Is it even possible to read at that speed?"
"It’s fine. I’m absorbing it all properly. More importantly, is this report even authentic? Do these monsters actually exist? It’s filled with information on creatures I’ve never even seen before."
That is to be expected.
The air in the If Continent is so thin on magical energy that, outside of the Great Forest, even an Orc is a rarity; most monsters simply cannot survive here.
To Wazfi, the creatures listed in that document must look like beings from another world.
"There is no mistake there. We have verified it ourselves, and we have received reports from Amanda as well."
"Amanda!? Yuki-sama, you are acquainted with Amanda?"
"Honestly, it’s a mystery to me why you aren't aware of that. We were the ones present at the very scene where Amanda came to tame her Wyvern, weren't we?"
"Eh? Is that so?"
Yes. I, too, have heard about Amanda’s Wy-chan.
Back then, I was still a puppet of Hifii, so I did not witness the event firsthand, but I have met Amanda through Popuri’s introduction.
Well, in truth, Aslin was the one who handed over Wy-chan, but it is best to leave that unsaid.
"And where were you, Wazfi, when that Wyvern arrived at the Academy?"
"..."
Oh my, Wazfi didn't just fall silent at Yuki’s words; she’s actively looking away.
My, that is quite telling.
"Don't tell me that Wyvern was resting in the shallows because someone—perhaps someone here—lured it out?"
"I would never do anything so reckless! I was simply venturing deeper than usual, and I threw some meat to lead the Wyvern away because it was in my path."
"So you were the cause of it!"
"No... well, in the end, the students who provoked that Wyvern were the ones at fault. The 'Great Forest' is a region where monsters dwell. One must always remain vigilant, as you never know when a powerful monster might strike."
"Hey, don't try to gloss over this with high-minded excuses. That said, it did lead to an increase in Amanda’s combat strength, so there's no point in dredging it up now. But why didn't you conduct an ecological survey when you saw the Wyvern? Surely a Wyvern is a rarity even to you, Wazfi?"
That is indeed strange.
Wyverns only inhabit the Great Forest on the If Continent these days.
Why would she ignore one upon encountering it?
"It was nothing. My objective at the time was simply different. More importantly, I had already seen the Wyvern documentation provided by the Principal. I assumed it was much the same, so I pushed further into the depths to find something new."
"Ah, I see. Wazfi, you really are one of us."
At Yuki’s words, both I and Agil nodded.
Yes, there is no doubt about it; she is a researcher through and through.
"If I may be so bold, I find it incredibly strange that you all collect information on monsters with such fervor, just as I do."
"That’s because we come from a different continent. The importance of monster data is quite different there. You see, on our continent, monsters roam everywhere, and monster-hunting guilds are scattered across every nation."
"…Ah, that is certainly troublesome. I see, the fundamental perception of monsters is entirely different from the If Continent."
Indeed, the threat level of monsters differs greatly between this If Continent and the Rogali Continent.
Back when I was alive, monsters were common, but over the last few centuries, their habitats have been restricted almost entirely to the Great Forest.
It is truly a mysterious phenomenon.
That is precisely why we wish to address the situation as quickly as possible.
"That is what Wazfi told the Principal earlier. We are here to investigate whether monsters are overflowing or if there are powerful threats lurking about. We don't know the scale of the situation. It would be impossible to assume we could defeat every monster we see, wouldn't it?"
"That’s true. No fool would think that. So, that is why you requested my cooperation?"
"Well, it’s an employment contract, actually."
"Ah, a hireling, then. Well, I’ll do my best during this trial period."
With that settled, Wazfi began to pore over the documents, while Agil and I used the maps to deploy drones and begin surveying the monsters' habitats.
Given that it is called the Great Sea of Trees, it is by no means small.
It is unimaginably vast.
Surveying the monsters that live in such an expansive place—doesn't it just make your heart race with excitement?
Oh, and by the way, regarding the question from yesterday: the New Year’s special story will be posted on the 12th as a separate entry, so please look forward to it.