第１１８１堀：魔王と勇者とメイド (Part2)
"Hmm. Well, I suppose that’s true. I suppose there’s no need for us to go out of our way to reveal our hand."
"More than anything, since Rurua is with him, a concentrated attack on Yuki seems rather unlikely to succeed."
"Rurua-sama wouldn't do something like that, would she?"
"After all, she is on the side of saving lives. I’m actually surprised she decided to participate in this event at all."
"No, she’s surprisingly fond of games like this, you know?"
"Yes, she actually plays them quite often. Didn't you know, Kirue? Like that monster-hunting game."
"I am aware of that, but when it comes to a firefight..."
"There isn't a single woman married to Yuki who cannot fight. It’s just that none of them are fools who take lives without cause."
"I see. That is certainly true. Besides, if they were 'enemies,' Rurua-sama would have no hesitation in fighting or ending their lives. And since our safety is guaranteed this time, there is no need for restraint, is there?"
Rurua may look the part, but she is merciless toward her enemies. Kirue, who mostly provides support at home, likely hasn't seen her in combat much. In truth, she is among the top five strongest of us. Apparently, it stems from being caught off guard in the past.
"So, that settles it. No Yupi and the others. For now, contact the teams we’ve selected."
"Understood."
As I spoke, Kirue immediately left the room to relay the message. It is a relief to have such capable members; it makes the administrative work so much easier.
"So, Deryu, the 'target Yuki' strategy is fine, but if we can't actually find him, it’s all for nothing, isn't it?"
"Precisely. That is why the teams Kirue is contacting now are so vital. By intentionally informing them of his spawn location..."
"Oh, I see. Since everyone is scattered across the map, they can conduct a search simultaneously."
"Exactly. If we set it up so they send a signal the moment they find Yuki, we should be able to manage."
"I just hope we don't get taken out before that happens."
"I cannot look after everything."
Still, this is Yuki we are talking about. It is unlikely he would simply waltz out in front of us and engage in a straightforward shootout. Yuki is the type to avoid a fair fight at all costs; he only reveals himself once he has secured a total victory. However, the rules of this event dictate that he must show himself eventually. That is where the key to our victory lies.
"We should aim for when the map begins to shrink—when Yuki and his group are forced to move. The only other chance to find him is during the initial phase, before everyone has gathered their equipment. At any other time, attempting to target him would likely result in a counterattack."
"Yes, I agree. So, where should we go? And how many rounds are we planning to use this strategy? We can't possibly do it for all three, can we?"
"That goes without saying. Defeating Yuki is fine, but it would be meaningless if we lose the match because of it. We wouldn't be able to enjoy the event. At most, two rounds is our limit."
"True. Since the top teams after three rounds move on to the fourth, I suppose we should watch our backs?"
"We certainly should. If we show an opening, he will surely shoot. If I could take out Yuki along with our rivals, I would do exactly that. Now, as for the map we should head to first..."
As I looked over the map, an idea struck me.
"Ria, why don't you decide?"
"Eh? Me?"
"I’ve been the one dictating our policy for everything else, after all. Honestly, the level of danger is about the same regardless of the map. As long as it isn't a barren wasteland with no cover, it makes little difference. So, I’d like to trust in your 'Hero’s intuition.'"
"Ehh? That sounds so lazy. Show us your 'Demon Lord’s intuition' for once, Deryu!"
"Haha. A Demon Lord is supposed to be tyrannical, after all. Why don't we defer to the wishes of the people and follow the Hero's suggestion?"
We exchanged looks, and then...
"Pfft. Hahaha..."
Yes, I am truly blessed with a wonderful family. That aside, however.
"Both of you, I have made contact with the teams. They have agreed to participate in the conference."
First, Yuki, prepare yourself. You would do well to bow before the combined power of a Demon Lord, a Hero, and a maid—or rather, your wives!
As it turns out, this team was using more strategy than one might expect. I wonder just how many teams will agree to this plan? By the way, please be careful not to try this in the actual game.