第１２７０堀：びっくりするほど堅牢でした (Part2)
"Even if they were to destabilize the security of Weed, it would only result in the exchange students refusing to leave the town. Furthermore, the increased security would make it even more difficult to inflict any real harm."
That is exactly the point. There is simply no merit in attacking ordinary townspeople.
"Besides, in Weed, such crimes are easy to track from the very preparation stage."
"That’s true. They’d likely get caught for possession of weapons or illicit substances before they could even act."
"Indeed. And it would be difficult to recruit personnel for a terrorist plot in the first place."
"In other words, it would only be someone who is completely blind to the bigger picture or someone acting out of petty personal spite. But those types would be rounded up by the police in no time."
"You’re right. Come to think of it, doesn't this mean the defense system Seraria and the others devised is actually quite formidable?"
"That’s how it looks. The real issue is the individual defense of the students, but even then, we’ll catch wind of any suspicious movement on our end."
"Well, there will always be students who want to stir up trouble."
"That is the essence of youth, after all."
"Exactly. It’s one of the true pleasures of life."
I couldn't agree more. Tell them not to go out, and they’ll want to leave; tell them not to go somewhere, and they’ll be drawn to it. There are plenty of people like that. That’s why I intend to intentionally leave a few gaps, guiding them toward exits I’ve already accounted for. Of course, I’ve already cleared it with the other side—it doubles as a decoy operation.
"So, to summarize our current discussion, the main thing we need to be wary of is the core itself?"
"That’s right. The real problem would be someone hacking the core or a Dungeon Master launching a direct invasion to seize control of the dungeon."
"Well, hacking the core is one thing, but seizing control of a dungeon should require an astronomical amount of DP. I find the latter highly unlikely."
"If they possessed that much power, they would have already established their own dungeon-centered power base. Even if they were fools, they’d at least attempt to mimic the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance now that it’s been established on such a grand scale. Still, it never hurts to be cautious."
As Sota-san said, it never hurts to be cautious. After all, there might be "movements" we haven't yet grasped. I’ll continue to coordinate with the Dungeon Masters I know to keep tabs on things.
Just as the conversation reached a natural lull, a call came through. It was Seraria.
"My apologies. I’ve received a call from Seraria. Let’s discuss the details another day."
"Understood."
"Very well. Don't push yourself too hard."
"I’ll be attending to my usual duties, so call me if you need anything."
With that, I ended the connection with Taiki and the others and answered Seraria’s call.
"Yes, hello?"
"...It’s not 'hello.' Honestly, look at what you’ve done."
"Did you finish the post-incident review and the debriefing?"
"Yes, we finished it. Why don't you come over here so we can compare notes?"
"Understood. I’m heading your way."
I stood up immediately and looked at Orelia and the others.
"You heard her. We’re heading to Seraria’s place."
"Yes, sir!"
Orelia, Hovis, and Yayui always respond so obediently. They didn't seem particularly surprised by my conversation with Taizo-san and Taiki-kun earlier, either. Unlike my wives, they are my "subordinates," which makes them incredibly easy to work with.
By the way, since this was a "defense test," Kirika and the others were technically on the opposing side, making it incredibly difficult for them to move freely. That’s why Yayui, whose ability is considered low enough that no one would suspect her of such a thing, was technically the "mastermind" behind this operation. Not that she has any awareness of that fact herself.
Yayui wears her heart on her sleeve the moment she’s taught something, which is exactly why I knew she wouldn't be suspected at all.
Now then, I wonder what will happen when I reveal the truth behind this. There are some things in this world that possess a stubbornness you’d never expect—like a tightly sealed jam jar, or a stubborn wine cork.