第１２７１堀：誰が管理するの？ (Part1)
Chapter 1271: Who Shall Manage It?
Side: Yayui
Today, we conducted a live-fire exercise to test the defensive integrity of the newly established International Student District and its surrounding areas here in Weed. It ended in the blink of an eye, with Yuki-sama, acting as the aggressor, achieving a swift victory.
Immediately afterward, he engaged in a discussion with Taiki-sama, Taizou-sama, and Souta-sama. The content was far too complex for me to grasp, but the bottom line was clear: the fact that even Yuki-sama could find only a single flaw in the defensive perimeter is a positive outcome.
After all, this means that in a real-world scenario, hostile organizations won't be able to exploit that vulnerability. Yuki-sama always says that nothing is ever absolute, but I believe this confirms that Weed cannot be invaded so easily.
The plan was to join Seraria-sama and the others to organize the issues identified during the test and discuss improvements to forge an even more robust defense. However...
"And so, the primary culprit—or rather, the mastermind—is this Yayui!"
"Fai!?"
For some reason, Yuki-sama declared that I was the mastermind—a completely nonsensical accusation.
"E-e-eh?"
"..."
I was flustered and panicked, having absolutely no memory of such a thing, while Orelia and Hovis stared at me with half-lidded, skeptical eyes.
"N-no! I didn't... I don't know anything... I really don't!"
"We know. We don't think Yayui is capable of such cunning," Orelia said with a look of exasperation, while Hovis covered her mouth to hide a laugh.
Wait, was I being teased?
"Moo! Moo!"
"Calm down. It’s not like we’re mocking you."
"That’s right. Besides, we’re in the middle of a meeting with Seraria-sama and the others."
"Muu..."
They were right. It wouldn't do to be disrespectful in front of Seraria-sama. I bit my lip and fell silent, and then Seraria-sama spoke up.
"I see. That makes sense. I’ve already confirmed with Fusora-jou that she had no contact with any suspicious individuals, so I suspected as much... But in this case, shouldn't the mastermind be you, Yuki?"
Yes, I think so too. Yuki-sama, why did I become the mastermind all of a sudden?
"No, it was already decided that I would be the attacker. I told you I’d designate whoever I chose as the 'local mastermind,' didn't I? I am merely the puppet master, and I had zero contact with Fusora for this operation. It was Yayui here who brought the necessary items and instructions to Fusora. So, this is a case of an unwitting culprit."
It was true that I was unwitting. ...I wish he had at least given me a single command or consulted me first. Not that it would have mattered; my face would have given me away anyway.
"...I understand the logic, but it still doesn't sit right with me. Besides, accessing the core like that should only be possible for another Dungeon Master. How do you account for that?"
"That is exactly what we should be happy about. I’ve determined that this is the only way to inflict damage on Weed. The only other option would be for a Dungeon Master to personally infiltrate and seize control of the dungeon..."
"That, of course, is impossible. I can't even imagine how much DP that would cost."
"Exactly. That’s why the improvement plan for this time is to add defensive barriers. Connecting that system directly to the dungeon core is what led to the system crash."
I don't fully understand the technical details, but if Yuki-sama has determined that any other method would fail to harm Weed or its residents, then that is a good thing.
"...In other words, the only ones Weed needs to be wary of for the time being are other Dungeon Masters?"
"No, that’s not quite it. Look, Noble from Ex—well, it’s hard to call it original research, but there was that incident where he researched the core and attempted a hack, right? Isn't that so, Comet?"
"Hm? Ah, yes, that’s true. There was a case where the usage restrictions on a dungeon core used in a replica of the Betz Sword, stored in White Forest, were bypassed—or rather, burned out. That said, whether they could pull off a system crash like Yuki did is another matter... Ageril, what do you think?"
"To do what Yuki did, I think it would be impossible without a deep, profound understanding of the dungeon core’s systems and programming. Still, it’s not absolute, so I do think it’s necessary to insert dummies or firewalls."
Comet-sama and Ageril-sama answered while staring at the call screen with incredibly serious expressions. They are the brains of Weed. They are amazing people who can take things I don't understand at all and not only organize them but even devise countermeasures.
"I see. That is precisely why countermeasures are essential. By the way, I take it you couldn't bring in hidden weapons or drugs because it was impossible?"
"Yes, for now. No matter what I tried, they were detected, which led to this method. In that sense, it proves the dungeon is an iron fortress."
"Hmm. That is something to be happy about, but we cannot afford to rest on our laurels."
As Deryu-sama said this, Tori-sama and the rest of the police force nodded in unison.
"There is no such thing as 'absolute' in this world, after all."
"We will continue to investigate thoroughly."
"...Yes. That is important. But Yuki, I assume you are already researching such things?"
When Kaya-sama looked at Yuki-sama, he replied...
"Yes. Even now, with the cooperation of Naarjia-san, I’m having Steve and Zargis lead the effort to test various ways to smuggle in weapons or poisons without being detected."
"Even so, they haven't been found. Well, we can't say there are absolutely no loopholes, so Tori and the others should look into countermeasures as well. If, by some chance, something is brought in and someone goes on a rampage in the commercial district, it would be a disaster."
"Yes!"
She is absolutely right. Such a thing must never happen, so we must research it at all costs.
"Also, the movements leading up to the detention of Fusora-jou, who was the executor this time, were a bit clumsy. We will just have to keep practicing."
"Indeed. I thought the report to the General Government Building was quite delayed, but that is likely just a lack of proficiency."
"Same here. The Adventurer's Guild was ready to move at any time, but the report didn't arrive until after Fusora-chan had already been secured. I suppose it’s just because the staff in the International Student District aren't used to this yet. Oh, by the way, Yuki-san, who do you intend to appoint as the manager of the International Student District?"
Ah, that’s right. Each district in Weed has a representative to oversee it. By doing so, it reduces the burden on Seraria-sama, the Queen, and Yuki-sama. If they didn't do that, Yuki-sama, in particular, would be pulled in so many directions he would collapse from exhaustion.