第１２５９堀：悪ことも国際化 (Part1)
"Oh, it looks like you're having quite a bit of trouble over there," Seraria remarked.
"It's not just my problem; it concerns you too, Seraria," her husband replied, showing her the results of the recent Dungeon Master conference.
"The possibility of malicious individuals making a move is high… Well, I suppose that's only natural."
The issues outlined in the document were entirely valid. While some welcomed the student exchange program, it was inevitable that others would oppose it. They had been so focused on how to implement the program that they hadn't considered the possibility of opponents trying to sabotage it.
"Until now, these schemes were confined within Weed, or at most, involved a single country or organization," her husband explained.
"But the student exchange program involves all the countries of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. So, there will be those who try to interfere with the students for various ulterior motives, aiming to cause damage not just to Weed, but to many countries."
"Precisely. The Intercontinental Exchange Alliance will only grow stronger because of this, so those who oppose it will want to weaken it by any means necessary."
The document also included reports on "Movements in Various Countries," compiled by Deryu's younger brother, Reye, and Erwin, a Dungeon Master who was a disciple of the Sword Saint and primarily active in Ranks.
"They'll surely try their best to obstruct us. It's far easier than attacking us directly."
"However, now that it's pointed out, I realize that there's a possibility that hostile forces from various countries might even join hands and commit acts of terrorism in Weed."
"Ah. That possibility has crossed my mind, and it's giving me a headache. For example, there's the Anti-Intercontinental Exchange Alliance on the Rogari Continent, or perhaps a combination of groups resentful of Weed's monopoly. On the If Continent, there's the Enaria Holy Church and the Hifi Holy Kingdom. And on the New Continent, remnants of the Assembly of Wisdom and other major powers."
"That's chilling. It's possible that such groups might meet in Weed and form alliances."
"Indeed. Criminal organizations cooperating for their own purposes is not unheard of. That would make eradicating them even more difficult."
"It's the darkness of international society."
"...I see. So, this is also a problem on Earth."
"Exactly. As the world expands, so do the number of wicked individuals. Connections that were once limited to villages and towns now extend to organizations between countries, and even across oceans to distant nations."
"The Gate is contributing to this, isn't it..."
"The Gate has improved transportation and trade, which is good, but it also allows these kinds of troubles to flow in."
"...We need to seriously consider the protective measures for the student exchange program."
"Ah, and we'll likely need to make a declaration and implement countermeasures against criminal organizations."
"We do. We need to declare that we will crush anyone who dares to lay a hand on us. The Dark Guilds might also get involved."
"Dark Guilds? Ah, the ones who take on assassinations and such. Didn't you say the heroes destroyed their headquarters in Rumel a long time ago?"
"They destroyed the headquarters and eliminated the boss at the time, but these kinds of criminals tend to spring up anywhere, don't they?"
"That's true, but have they already rebuilt?"
"There are rumors to that effect. However, they don't seem to be present within the surveillance range of the dungeons we've established in each country."
"Well, if such individuals were around, Reye and Erwin would have already apprehended them."
That was true. A more robust surveillance system had been established by her husband and the collaborating Dungeon Masters. According to it, no such organizations had yet formed in the royal capitals of the major powers.
But...
"Conversely, doesn't it seem strange that they're only rumored to exist if they can't be apprehended? These kinds of groups have lower-level organizations branching out like leaves."
"I wonder. When the head organization falls, the subordinate organizations can barely move. It's like an army without a commander. Of course, some might survive on their own initiative, but such subordinate organizations would have limited connections and might only be able to hide in smaller countries. In fact, since the major countries on the Rogari Continent are cracking down on the Dark Guilds, it's reasonable to assume they're in hiding if they exist."
"Ah, I see. But what about the fact that they can't be apprehended even with the dungeon's functions?"
"That would be a matter of 'apprehension.' Information about individual members being murderers would likely be confirmed by Reye and Erwin by looking at their status screens, but the question is what name that Dark Guild organization goes by."
"I see, is the information within the status screen based on the individual's own perception?"
"Ah, I can't say for sure yet. That's why I'm hesitant to take such public information at face value. I want to confirm it once there are proper bases and evidence."
Indeed, as her husband said, she used to trust 'status' information implicitly, but in reality, it could be easily concealed or altered. While it wasn't easy for just anyone to do, larger organizations were thorough in such matters. Moreover, the reasons behind titles and awards or punishments in status were unclear. For instance, she herself was a general and a killer, yet neither of those appeared in her status.
"Therefore, the next meeting will involve sharing information about hostile forces that various countries are concerned about and discussing countermeasures."
"Yes. Let's take this opportunity to thoroughly identify and address any destabilizing elements in each country. Otherwise, we'll be shamed by other nations for failing to control the 'idiots'."
"Ah, that's the direction I intend to explain it. And then there's the matter of ensuring the safety of the exchange students in Weed."
"That's something we should consider and propose ourselves. For example, requiring them to wear designated uniforms when they go out to avoid trouble."
"Hmm. Is that so~"
Her husband's reaction seemed a bit off.
"Is there a problem with exchange students wearing uniforms? Wasn't that normal in Japan?"
"Well, yes, it was. But there were also many who opposed it."
"There will always be rebels. Besides, do you think students who represent their countries would break such a school rule?"
"Hmm. I don't think so, but... I also feel it would be a shame to eliminate opportunities to wear casual clothes."
"Huh? You think it's possible to disregard established attire? They are the face of their country!"
"No, it's just that regarding clothing, it could also be good for business."
"Ah, fashion. Speaking of which, aren't there regions where people don't wear underwear?"
"That's a kind of fashion too, but there's also the aspect of countries promoting themselves by showcasing their traditional clothing."
I see. So, fixing their attire would go against the very meaning of intercontinental exchange.
"I understand, it's about culture. Hmm, in that case, perhaps mandatory name tags or carrying identification?"