第１１７７堀：戦いはすでに始まっている (Part2)
"Besides, if you think about it normally, the budget would be astronomical, but since it’s coming out of Yuki’s own DP, I suppose I can’t really argue. I never imagined he’d go to such lengths on his own dime."
"Well, the Boss loves you ladies dearly, doesn't he? I’m sure you all know better than anyone that he’s the type to give his all for your sake."
"We know, we know! Big Brother is head over heels for us."
"Indeed. Yuki and us—we’ll be burning with passion forever."
"That is what it means to be a married couple. But, putting that aside, can we hear anything about the other participants?"
Ah, Eris is right. Even if this is just recreation, I intend to win, so I need to start gathering intelligence.
"Ah, you’ll be receiving updates via call shortly. Also, here."
The goblin at the reception desk hands over a single sheet of paper.
"What’s this? Let’s see... a map? What is this for?"
Indeed, it is a map of some unknown location. Furthermore, it is meticulously detailed—the kind of document we would typically use to formulate a tactical operation. To have something like that handed over so casually was unexpected.
"It’s the map for the battle royale. I suppose since it’s modeled after some game, there’s no harm in showing it to you. The idea is for you to study this and devise your strategy."
"…Big Brother is quite the tease, isn't he? He wants us to agonize over the details."
"If we were dropped into this map suddenly without prior information, we’d just be moving blindly. Well, that might have its own charm, but..."
"Look at the notes on this map."
There, written with careful precision, was the instruction: *Weapons and tools can be found inside the buildings.* The larger the building, the greater the supply.
"In other words, the central area where the buildings are clustered is where we can secure an abundance of weapons and gear."
"That said, every other team will likely congregate there as well. That’s the logical conclusion."
The map clearly shows a significant structure in the center. It’s obvious to anyone that heading there would solve any concerns about securing equipment. Anyone who receives this map will come to the same conclusion. Which means that location will inevitably become a hotbed for team encounters.
"Er, I understand the dilemma, but perhaps we should move elsewhere?"
"Ah, you're right. Let's relocate."
"Indeed. It looks like another team has arrived."
As I turned around at that suggestion, I saw...
"Oh, if it isn't Ratz and her group. I see, so we’re treating this as a team event, then?"
"That’s right! I see you three are together, Seraria—is that your team?"
"Yes. Even if the goal is camaraderie, I won't be holding back. After all, my husband went to the trouble of planning something on this scale. Right?"
"That’s true. I couldn't possibly miss out on something this interesting."
"Sigh. Is it too much to ask why we’re treating a friendly exchange like a life-or-death struggle?"
The members Seraria has brought along are Lowell, Quar, and some other friend.
"Wait? Is that sort of thing allowed?"
"We’re practically family, so it should be fine, shouldn't it? Everyone should be able to enjoy the fun. Or is that not permitted?"
When she asked the goblin at the reception, he replied...
"It’s not a problem at all. Lady Lilishe and others have already joined in place of Orelia’s group, so it’s a bit late to worry about that now."
"Ah, well, it’s hard to argue with that. But, setting Quar aside, can you and Lowell actually coordinate?"
"We can manage just fine. We train together often enough."
"That’s right. Seraria spends a lot of time at Weed, and I often visit to challenge her. We’re both capable of commanding armies; we won't lose in a battle royale. Besides, don't think I’m just going to spend all my time loitering in the fighting tournament."
"In the meantime, could someone please help me? I’m the one who has to keep these two in check."
Unfortunately, I cannot answer Quar’s plea. Taking care of those two—even without any negative connotations—is a massive undertaking. Besides, I wonder if having two generals on one team is actually an advantage? I can already see them clashing over strategy.
The final showdown is a battle royale. And to top it off, no magic or skills allowed. Just our own bodies and a gun to fight our way through! This is truly a place to pour every ounce of our strength into the fray.
Now then, next time, let’s look at the team announcements and speculate on who will take the victory.