第１２８２堀：大森林調査隊再集結 (Part2)
I had long wondered why the Great Forest, home to such formidable monsters, was simultaneously teeming with low-rank beasts along its periphery. However, based on the data gathered by Weed—most notably regarding the entity known as Grad—it became clear that high-rank monsters, those classified as truly powerful, do not require sustenance.
Such beings subsist entirely on the ambient magical energy of the land.
Were it otherwise, these powerful entities would have been forced to hunt for food, inevitably spilling out from the forest’s edge, crossing mountains, and laying waste to the Academy and neighboring nations alike. The fact that no such incidents have been recorded suggests that these powerful creatures have no need to venture out; conversely, they likely find regions with low magical concentration to be hostile, if not outright dangerous, to their own existence. While other factors might exist, it is a fact that these powerful monsters do not emerge.
"Now, building upon the current situation Agil has explained, we have devised a specific route for this survey," Comet announced. As she spoke, a series of yellow lines appeared on the map of the Great Forest displayed on the monitor—dozens of them.
Looking closely, I saw they radiated from the measurement huts mentioned earlier, extending toward the heart of the forest.
"While the objective is a 'survey of the Great Forest’s center,' we must simultaneously map the distribution of monsters and magical energy throughout the entire expanse. To achieve this, we plan to repeat a cycle: departing from a measurement point, heading toward the center, and then returning to a different measurement point. We believe this will provide sufficient coverage."
I see. A direct, linear path would only yield data for that single corridor. By systematically approaching from various points, they can map the area with far greater breadth. I knew a brute-force, carpet-bombing approach to data collection was impossible, but this method—this segmentation—is clever.
"The advantage of this method is that it makes it easy to identify which sectors require focused investigation based on the initial findings. By dividing the forest like a clock face, we can easily designate, for instance, a survey between the one and two o'clock positions if something suspicious is detected."
By partitioning the land and assigning numbers or symbols to each sector, they will minimize oversight. Since the focus is on the center, a radial division—which is denser at the core and sparser at the periphery—is far more reasonable than a uniform grid. This is exactly the kind of insight one expects from researchers. It’s essentially the same as assigning coordinates in a military operation.
"That is the basic policy for the Great Forest survey. The remaining tasks are to decide which of these twelve routes to begin with and to finalize the field team members. Any questions so far?"
With the explanation concluded, Comet checked for feedback. I had none. We were at the stage of refining the actual operational plan, and I expected a finalized proposal to reach Popuri and me soon.
"It seems there are no questions. I suppose the most difficult part will be getting the final approval from Yuki and Popuri after we hammer out the details?"
"That will depend on the Masters," Agil replied. "Though, rest assured, we will be scrutinizing the plans with the utmost rigor."
"Indeed," I added. "I don't want any operations that put my wives or subordinates in unnecessary danger."
"Haha, we are well aware of that. Leave it to us," Agil and Comet replied, puffing out their chests with confidence.
...I want to believe them, I really do, but given our track record, I’d say my confidence is hovering at about fifty-fifty.
"Alright, then! The survey team will now move on to discussing the detailed plans."
"Understood!"
The members of the survey team seemed surprisingly enthusiastic. And why wouldn't they be? They were about to embark on the unprecedented task of "uncovering the mysteries of the Great Forest." Even Samantha and Cleena, despite their reservations, were former students of the Academy; their interest in the forest was far from zero, and the prospect of contributing to their alma mater was both enjoyable and a point of pride.
"And so, Yuki-sama, you have a meeting with Senal-sama and the others next. Will you be alright?" Fiora asked, looking uncharacteristically concerned.
"Do I look that exhausted to you?"
"No, but considering the sheer volume of information we just processed, perhaps you need a short break?" She gestured vaguely at the thick stack of documents handed out before the briefing, looking troubled as she struggled to hold them.
Ah, she was right. If one were to read all of that in earnest, it would be exhausting. Usually, one either ignores such things until the explanation or just skims them. There was never enough time to pore over every detail, anyway. The standard procedure was to take them home and read them later.
"You’re right. You all look tired, too. Let’s head back to Weed and stop by a café."
And so, leaving the energized survey team to their planning, we returned to Weed. The fun of the survey was about to begin—but first, the planning. They say the preparation is often the most exciting part, after all.