第１１０７堀：調査方法について (Part1)
Chapter 1107: On Investigation Methods
Side: Comet
"Hey, you. Zargis, was it? Could you give me just a little bit of your meat? Even a tiny sliver would do."
"I will not. And please, stop approaching me while holding a knife."
Just as Wazfi stopped peppering us with questions, she immediately began cornering Zargis, who had just entered carrying some luggage.
"What on earth is going on?"
"Ah, well, I suppose it’s because Zargis is a demon race not typically found on this continent, right?"
"Ah, the 'I found a new species' kind of thing?"
"Exactly."
"Yes, you two over there. Instead of just nodding along, could you please stop this young lady?"
"Yeah, yeah."
I replied with a shrug, knowing it would be a headache if Zargis were to retire from the project, and grabbed Wazfi by the collar, lifting her up as easily as one might a kitten. I couldn't exactly let her dissect a colleague out of mere curiosity.
"Whoa!? Wait, Comet-san, you’re surprisingly strong?"
"Well, I’m just reinforcing my physical capabilities with magic. The real issue here is you, pointing a knife at people."
"She’s right. Do you want to be shocked into a bit of reflection?"
In sync with my words, Agil began to crackle with electricity from her hands, moving to put a stop to Wazfi’s antics.
"Yes. I am terribly sorry!"
"Good. Being honest is a virtue."
Oh, she grasps the power dynamic in an instant—a good trait to have. Well, if she couldn't manage at least that much, she wouldn't be able to survive an investigation of the Great Tree Sea with her current level of skill.
"Now, with that mandatory bit of comedy out of the way, we’ve brought Zargis here safely. Is he getting along with Wazfi?"
"Ah, 'getting along' might be an understatement. Wazfi is a researcher through and through."
"I agree. I knew as much the moment I saw her report."
"Thanks. Honestly, it’s such a relief to have people who can actually understand what I’m talking about—two of them, no less."
Wazfi replied with a bright smile, matching our sentiments.
"Wazfi has this fearless personality, so she doesn't struggle with communication at all."
"Well, if you’re going to do fieldwork, you won’t last long without that. Research out in the field is impossible if you can’t communicate with the locals."
Indeed. Without that kind of rapport, you can't get anything done in the field. The stuck-up fools at the academy I attended eons ago were all idiots who thought they were the greatest, capable of nothing but pushing their own agendas; they never made any real progress. People only achieve results through a variety of experiences.
"Come to think of it, that makes sense. So, Zargis, are you not good at this sort of thing?"
"No, that’s not the case at all. I, too, have spent my fair share of time out in the field researching monsters."
"Ah, and that’s how you got caught, isn't it?"
"Please, let’s not talk about that."
Come to think of it, Zargis’s first encounter with Yuki was indeed when he was captured. Wait... hold on. I feel like my first encounter was the same... No, it’s fine. When I think back on it, I was properly introduced under the witness of Lady Luna when I served as a guard for the envoy Yuki sent to the Hifi Holy Kingdom. My capture only happened later during the duel between Hifi and Yuki, so yes, our meeting was perfectly standard.
"Eh? Zargis, you research monsters too?"
"Yes. That is precisely why I am here. Though, my main field of research is somewhat different. Regardless, I look forward to working with you, Wazfi-dono."
"Oh, right. Likewise. So, if your main field is different, what do you usually study?"
"Let’s see. I suppose you could call it the development of new technologies. To put it simply, magical tools."
"Oh? So you make magical tools, just like Nilua?"
"Eh? Yuki-sama, you didn't know Nilua was skilled at making magical tools?"
"Not at all. Before I could even hear about such things, the decision was made to put her under our protection."
True, I knew Nilua’s capabilities from checking her status, but I hadn't heard what her specific specialties were. So, she’s skilled at crafting magical tools, is she?
"I see. Well then, I’ll have to ask Nilua to show me her work sometime."
"That would be for the best. I’m sure she’d be delighted. And you’ll surely be surprised by her creations."
"Heh. That’s something to look forward to. Anyway, putting that aside, have you finished explaining everything to Wazfi?"
"It’s fine. This girl is a top-tier talent who placed second at the academy. Her knowledge base is no joke. She’s kept up with all our explanations so far, and I think we’re ready to discuss the schedule."
"I’ve heard various rumors about Weed, and above all, this is a Magic Academy. Strange people and objects gather here all the time, so I’m not about to dismiss something just because it sounds bizarre."
Exactly. It’s a huge help that she’s so open-minded. Most people, when told about Weed, either call us liars or are simply dumbfounded. Hifi has often complained that there isn't a single country or person who will just take us at our word. Personally, I think we should just show them our power and be done with it, but Yuki usually treats that as a last resort. I understand why, though—flaunting power or causing an accident could lead to being branded a hostile entity or a nation, which we want to avoid.
Conversely, that means we have to go out of our way to show potential allies circumstantial evidence and rare magical tools, making it incredibly difficult to get Weed recognized. In that sense, Wazfi is truly a rare existence. Even if our fields differ, it’s rare to find someone who can acknowledge our strength even after being shown that they are overwhelmingly inferior as a fellow researcher. Is this what they call 'youth'?
"At this rate, it sounds like you’re still half-doubting us."
"Of course I am. I’m hearing about technologies I’ve never even dreamed of. I don’t know what’s real and what’s fake yet, so I won’t believe it until I verify it, but I won’t deny it either."
Truly, a researcher through and through.
"We’ll fill in those gaps as we go. For now, while Zargis gets ready, tell me how you’ve decided to investigate the Great Tree Sea."
"Okay. I’ll give you a rough overview using the monitor. I’ll have a detailed report ready by the day after tomorrow."
"Understood."
We couldn't possibly have a detailed schedule on the first day. To ensure Wazfi understood the plan, I pressed a button, and a strange, thin black panel descended from the ceiling.
"Whoa!? Yes? Something strange and thin just came down from the ceiling!"