第１２７８堀：今やっているお仕事 (Part2)
"That’s right. I’m primarily in charge of surveying the snowy peaks of the Great Mountain Range. Well, that’s mostly because there’s no one else to do it."
"And is the survey making any progress?"
As Seraria asked point-blank, Agil shrugged.
"Well, the fact that I’m standing here is your answer. Right now, all I can manage is collecting data from the equipment I’ve installed; I haven't been able to conduct any detailed exploration. Ah, though I have confirmed the presence of the hydra at the crater and the wyverns. Aslin and the others were happy to help with that."
"Well, thanks to that, Narjia-san has been fired up about creating 'something that can withstand lava' just like the hydra."
Ah, come to think of it, I remember hearing something about that.
Venturing inside a volcano? Are we trying to reach an underground kingdom or something?
"But as for the footprints of the Gaeen, I’ve got absolutely nothing."
"I suppose so. While we’re at it, let’s have you report on the investigations of the goblin village and the Blue Hole as well."
"The goblin village is actually Zargis’s responsibility. Or rather, that’s also just a matter of gathering data. If we’re talking about interviews or medical examinations, we’d need to go there or bring them here, which requires incredibly tedious preparation. Above all, we’re short on hands."
"And for the Blue Hole—or rather, the coastal survey—we’re using the aircraft carriers under Dressa’s command to look into things, but there’s still a mountain of work left to do. Again, we’re just taking routine data because we lack the personnel. Oh, and fishing. Is that what you call it?"
That’s right; we’re short-handed on all fronts.
At present, we can barely manage routine observation and data collection within the range where our equipment is installed.
We don’t have the strength to launch any new, substantial projects.
Or rather, it’s impossible.
"…*Sigh*. Listening to all this, it’s clear we need to train more people to increase our numbers. It feels like everyone is so bogged down with data collection that nothing else is moving forward. What about the Great Forest?"
"Hahaha. That’s practically my backyard, so I’m in charge of it, but that’s stalled as well. We have the establishment of the exchange student program, and the plan is to try and push into the depths—the central part—of the Great Forest once that settles down. We need to recover Hivia’s remains, after all. Or, if they aren't there, we need to confirm that too."
"…Ah, that’s right. Make the matter of Hivia your top priority. The content for the exchange student program is already finished, and there’s still time before it actually kicks off."
"No, I know that, but—! I have to compile the proposal for training investigators for the magic depletion phenomenon. Narjia and the others are participating in that, too."
"That is exactly why you must prioritize Hivia. Whether it becomes a training institute or a school, once it starts, you won't be able to move for a while. Even though Hivia is no longer restricted in her actions as a ghost, this concerns her peace of mind. I’m sure Popuri and the others understand that we’re busy, but they must still feel neglected. It’s not good to ignore emotions just for the sake of work."
"She’s right. I agree with Seraria. Besides, that will also move the Great Forest matter forward to some extent, so let’s cooperate with Narjia and the others to wrap things up before we dive into the training talk."
As I said that, everyone nodded.
"Still, looking at all these tasks, it really comes down to a lack of personnel to deal with the magic depletion phenomenon."
"Indeed. And every time we go out to survey, we end up forming relationships with new countries, but we lack the staff to manage those ties. We should ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to train personnel for that, alongside the training institute. We can’t handle it all by ourselves anymore."
"True. That leaves only the divine matters and the Dungeon Masters."
"Those are things that only you and we can handle, naturally. Considering that, we should make sure everything else can be delegated to others."
"That would be the ideal."
I see. It would be best if I could focus exclusively on 'Gods' and 'Dungeon Masters.'
"Also, if the scale of the enemy grows, our current assets won't be enough, so we need to think about replenishing our personnel there as well."
"I agree. I’ve been thinking that we need to increase the number of troops serving as Seraria’s hands and feet, as well as our monster units. Especially after what happened in the Zuraburu region."
Quar agreed, and she was right.
We only won that battle because our quality of force was overwhelming.
If our technological levels had been anywhere near equal, that victory would never have happened.
To deal with such situations, strengthening Weed’s own military power is necessary.
"That means more work, then."
Saying this, I write the new task on the whiteboard.
・Strengthen Weed’s military power
Hmm, should I talk to Steve and the others for now?
Sometimes I forget things when the work piles up.
I’ve experienced that firsthand.
Well, don't pile on so much that I forget.
Don't just blurt things out on a whim.
Tell me when I’m not busy trying to take notes.