第１２８０堀：調査再開について (Part2)
Yuki seems to believe the positioning of the great powers is the primary factor at play, but in truth, this entire expanse of the Great Forest has become a focal point for magical energy. It is currently viewed as a powder keg, where a "Monster Outbreak"—a catastrophic surge of monsters—could occur at any moment.
In other words, this Academy might well be the most dangerous location on the entire If Continent.
Given this, the Great Forest stands as the greatest anomaly on a continent otherwise starved of magic, which is precisely why Yuki and his associates are so keen to investigate it. And to ensure that investigation can continue uninterrupted, they must first secure the area. To that end, a thorough survey of the forest is essential to confirm the current state of affairs.
Furthermore, should a massive outbreak occur here, the Academy’s forces would be unable to contain it, and the same would hold true for any of the great powers. This is partly because, outside of the Academy, there is almost no practical experience in combatting monsters.
In short, securing the safety of the Great Forest is synonymous with protecting the peace of the If Continent. And, incidentally, it is also about protecting my students.
That said, if I were to carelessly make this public, the truth might be overshadowed by calls to simply shut down the Lancer Magic Academy. It could also have unforeseen consequences for the location, which serves as a vital sample site for Yuki. That is why we are proceeding in this gradual, measured fashion.
Of course, investigation alone does not guarantee absolute safety.
Fundamentally, as long as the reasons behind the manifestation of monsters and the causes of these outbreaks remain unclear, this problem could arise anywhere. That is precisely why we must press forward with our research.
"Though, we originally pushed for the exchange student program to facilitate the study of the magic depletion phenomenon, and because of that, this project ended up being delayed even further. The world is a difficult place, isn't it?"
"Indeed, it is."
Yuki offers a wry smile at my sarcasm. Both initiatives are aimed at investigating the magic depletion, but even within that, there is a hierarchy of priorities. Naturally, we have laid the groundwork to prevent such accidents from occurring, but still.
"We have no choice but to keep doing our best."
"It seems that has been the way of the world since time immemorial."
We both share a bitter laugh. Since Yuki’s arrival, things have become remarkably more convenient, and our technological capabilities have seen a massive leap, yet it seems that, in the end, there is no substitute for our own hard work.
"So, when are you planning to resume the investigation?"
"As soon as possible, though I have to coordinate with your schedule as well."
"Show me the proposal. We can talk once I’ve seen it. I don't suppose you’re unaware of how these things work?"
"I’d need to coordinate and get approval beforehand for that to be worth discussing, wouldn't I?"
"Fair point. Regardless, I am in favor of resuming the investigation. So, I look forward to receiving the proposal so I can grant formal approval."
"Popuri’s 'Master' will bring it by tomorrow. Or, would you prefer it today?"
"Please, I beg of you, spare me. If the Master comes here to explain it, I won't have a moment to sleep. By all means, have Agil bring it tomorrow."
Truly, while the Master is leagues ahead of me when it comes to this type of research, she is simultaneously completely oblivious to her surroundings. She acts without a single thought for our convenience or the trouble she causes.
"Understood. I'll do that."
Yuki replied, stood up, and as he reached the door to leave the headmaster's office, he paused...
"Oh, by the way, I intend to conduct interviews with the gods in parallel to this. What do you think?"
"...The gods, you say? You usually just call them 'gods' without any honorifics, don't you, Yuki?"
"I thought if I didn't show some respect, they might not talk to me properly."
"Ha. I suppose that’s true. But as I said, we both have plenty of work to do."
"Yeah."
We both shrugged, and with that, Yuki departed. I sat there, thinking I needed to get back to my work, but...
The gods seem like they’ll be even more exhausting than the Great Forest.
Still, would the disadvantages of not being present be greater?
"Haa..."
"Headmaster. It’s cocoa."
"Thank you."
At the very least, I will allow myself a moment of respite with something sweet.
Now that the investigation of the Great Forest has begun again, what will Hivia do? What are her intentions? And what of her safety?