第１２１２堀：調査隊帰還 (Part2)
"My, I never expected to hear such words coming from Zargis of all people. Simply teaching monsters how to handle machinery is a monumental task in itself. Besides, those four insisted on going of their own volition—do you really think I’d foist such a role onto anyone else?"
"My apologies. That would be unthinkable. It wasn't merely about obtaining data, was it? It was about going there oneself to truly feel and experience it."
"Exactly. You understand that yourself, don't you, Zargis?"
"Indeed. There are truths that can only be grasped on the front lines. That is precisely why I have gone to the trouble of coming here to the Lancer Magic Academy to collect data myself. After all, data analysis is something that could be performed back in Weed. It is a principle that applies to me just as much as anyone else."
He was right. There is an inherent meaning in going to the source and doing the work yourself.
I had allowed Agil, Wazfi, and the others to venture into dangerous territory only because they had expressed a burning desire to be there. Had that not been the case, I would have stopped them in a heartbeat.
As I was lost in these thoughts, Taizo-san, having finished reviewing the data, turned toward me.
"That leaves the search for Hivia’s remains and the investigation into the deepest reaches of the Great Forest. What are your thoughts on the matter, Yuki-kun?"
"Well, let’s see. I’d like to confirm the location of Hivia’s remains as soon as possible. It isn't particularly far, after all. Though, there is the question of whether anything remains to be found..."
Indeed, the location Hivia had indicated was far closer than the area suspected to be the forest's heart. Given the speed at which Comet and her team were conducting their survey, they could reach it in a single day. Of course, depending on the terrain—whether they needed to fell trees or carve out a detour—it might take longer, and since we only had a rough approximation of the site, the search itself could prove time-consuming. Beyond that, there was a high probability that the remains had been consumed by Wyvern Zombies long ago, leaving nothing to recover.
"Honestly, I believe the search for Hivia’s remains will be the more difficult endeavor. It has been a long time since she was devoured, and the landscape has surely shifted. I suspect the chances of finding anything, even relying on Hivia’s own memories, are slim."
Zargis seemed to think finding the remains was near impossible. I couldn't help but agree.
"Even so, we can't simply abandon the task. It’s a lingering regret for Hivia. We have to see it through."
After all, Hivia was the first ghost ever observed in Aourit, and she was a student held in high regard by Popuri, the head of the Lancer Magic Academy. In more ways than one, she was not someone we could afford to neglect.
Just as we were discussing this, the door to the surveillance room opened without a sound.
"Ahaha, you really don't have to worry about it that much."
Hivia walked in, calm and composed. It seemed she had overheard our conversation. Behind her, Popuri, Lara, and Fiora followed, looking rather sheepish.
"My apologies. I should have contacted you beforehand."
"We are terribly sorry, Yuki-sama."
Fiora and Lara spoke in perfect, inexplicable unison.
"No, the oversight was mine as well."
We fell into a cycle of mutual apologies, but Hivia, the subject of our concern, remained as casual as ever.
"Really, I don't mind. Besides, I’ve always thought the chances of finding anything were low. Just knowing you’re trying to prioritize the search for my remains makes me happy enough. But, if I may be so bold, you can treat that as a secondary matter—a mere footnote."
Whatever shift in heart had occurred, she was the one suggesting it.
"I’m not a fool. I’ve heard from Fiora, Noriko, the Headmistress, and the Vice-Headmistress, so I understand why Weed is investigating the Great Forest. That’s why I think confirming the status of the deepest reaches is far more important than my remains. If things go poorly, a Great Outbreak could occur, right? That is a much more pressing issue."
I see. Having been briefed, Hivia had reached her own conclusion. Given that the very existence of the academy could be at stake, her judgment was sound, but...
"Are you pushing yourself too hard?"
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"It’s fine, it’s fine. This girl is remarkably tough."
Noriko, who had been quiet until now, joined the conversation and placed a hand on Hivia’s shoulder.
"Don't underestimate girls. Right, Hivia?"
"Yeah. That’s right. Just like Noriko-sensei says. Girls are strong."
"I see. Well, if anything comes up, talk to Noriko and the others."
"Understood. Now, show me the data Comet brought back."
...I see. So Hivia is a researcher at heart, after all. Even her own mortal remains take a backseat to the allure of curiosity. She really is tough.
Welcome, September!
Though, it’s still quite hot, isn't it?