第１２６８堀：相手が誰だろうがやることは変わらない (Part2)
"Indeed. It’s necessary to lay out the warnings clearly beforehand. If they can’t push through with brute force, they’ll resort to underhanded tactics—that seems to be a universal constant, regardless of the world."
"The way you put that... did that happen often on Earth?"
"Yeah. Since the world generally agrees that violence is wrong, if you can’t use physical force, you have no choice but to resort to indirect methods."
That being the case, I really need a way to discern who is an ally and who is an enemy. As I pondered how to achieve that, Seraria let out a soft sigh.
"There are so many times I’ve thought your world was incredible, but that aspect of it sounds terrifyingly cold."
"It’s not all that different. You had power struggles in Roschur, didn't you? It’s just the same thing, only played out on a global scale. Ultimately, society is just a matter of scale—large or small. Well, if it’s small, it’s just simpler..."
"The larger the scale, the more complex it becomes. I understand what you’re saying, but for someone like me who has never experienced the international society you speak of—no, for the nations of this world—it is an indescribable terror."
I suppose that’s true. Everyone feels fear when facing something for the first time. That’s likely why Lowell was so sensitive about circulating these documents regarding the warning against hostile forces.
"Being afraid is just about the right level of caution. It’s far more dangerous to assume there’s nothing to worry about."
"...That may be true, but is it really wise to push forward with the student exchange program and the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance while harboring such anxiety?"
"No matter what we do, we’ll never be able to fully erase that anxiety. Seraria, you know as well as I do that there is no such thing as a war with a hundred victories and zero defeats. Yet, you still go to battle. This is no different."
"I suppose you're right. Besides, it has already begun..."
Indeed. If we were to back out now, it wouldn't just be a waste of the passion we’ve poured into this—it could be seen as a critique of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance itself. That would be the greatest possible blow to the Alliance. It’s the classic stance of refusing to bow to terrorists.
"The die is cast, as they say."
"Wasn't that a quote from a Roman Emperor on Earth, Caesar?"
"You remember well. Seraria, you have the strength of us, the nations of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, and the wisdom of the great figures from my homeland. Now, it’s just a question of whether we stand still or keep moving forward."
"...Fine! I’ll do it, alright? Even if the enemy is invisible, we move forward. That’s all there is to it!"
"That’s the spirit. Besides, you were so proactive until now—what’s with the sudden cold feet?"
"I am a fragile woman, after all. Until now, I thought I knew who we needed to watch out for as a 'nation,' but Lowell’s warning revealed an unexpected enemy, and that’s what made me anxious. I haven't told the others, so it’s fine, isn't it?"
"Actually, no. You should tell them clearly."
"Eh?"
"Convey the threat accurately. And then, crush it thoroughly. That’s our usual way of doing things. Besides, haven't we often found ourselves facing enemies we couldn't even comprehend before?"
That’s right. This isn't a special case. The emergence of an "unexpected enemy" has happened often—or rather, almost every single time. Gods, goddesses, useless deities...
"So, we’ll just defeat them all the same. And give them a kick in the rear for good measure. That’s all."
"Pfft. You really are something. ...Very well. We’ll just do as we always do."
Yes, just as we always have. Without letting our guard down, with preparations perfected, updating information as we go, and responding accordingly. Nothing changes. If the opponent exceeds our expectations, we simply formulate countermeasures that exceed those expectations in turn. And to do that...
"Right. So, let’s gather everyone and brainstorm ways to break our 'current defenses.' There are things you can only see once you put yourself in the shoes of the attacker."
"You really do go all the way, don't you?"
"That’s only natural."
I have no interest in a story that demands we move forward by sacrificing ourselves for the sake of a tear-jerking tragedy. Is it boring for the spectators? I couldn't care less. If there is happiness to be grasped, I will grasp it without hesitation. Even if that means misfortune for the other side.
Ultimately, this is my selfishness—our selfishness. That is what it means to live. The enemies are becoming increasingly diverse. If the state cannot move, they use the economy. That is a common tactic, both now and in the past.