第１３０１堀：調査経過報告 (Part1)
**Chapter 1301: Investigation Progress Report**
**Side: Yuki**
"It sounds like yesterday was quite the spectacle."
"Yeah, they enjoyed themselves to the fullest. I assume it was the same on your end?"
"More or less. Though, don't you think mages are at a bit of a disadvantage? Samantha and Cleena fought hard, but we should probably adjust the parameters next time."
Comet offered her thoughts on the previous day’s "Wife Candidate Battle Royale" via communication as she continued her survey of the Great Forest.
She had a point. Naturally, the ideal engagement distance for a mage differs wildly from that of a melee fighter. However, if the gap grows too wide, the frontline fighters simply become targets for a relentless barrage of spells and arrows. Balancing those scales was a delicate task.
*Perhaps I should separate them into weapon and magic categories?* I wondered.
That said, Samantha and Cleena had demonstrated remarkable synergy. Samantha had woven a relentless curtain of fire to pin their foes and restrict their movement, while Cleena unleashed devastating wide-area bombardments that decimated the ranks of those caught in the fray. They weren't exactly helpless.
However, their effectiveness had backfired; the melee combatants eventually formed a silent pact to eliminate the mages first. Samantha and Cleena had held their own for a while, mixing martial arts and staff techniques into their defense, but they were eventually overwhelmed by the sheer pressure of the coordinated assault. In a true close-quarters scramble, a mage’s delay is often their undoing.
"Setting that aside, didn't you stumble upon something quite startling yesterday?"
Indeed, the previous day's investigation had yielded an unexpected find. Or rather, a find that was expected, yet jarring nonetheless.
"Hm? Oh, didn't Agil already report that to you?" Comet asked.
"She did, but I figured I should hear the details directly from the survey team."
"I suppose that makes sense. Shortly after noon yesterday, we searched the site of Hivia’s death and recovered what appear to be her remains."
"You're being remarkably casual about it."
"Well, there isn't really any other way to report it. Want to see the real thing?"
Before I could even voice a protest, Hivia manifested, her spectral form cradling a bleached cranium in her hands.
"It appears this was once my head," she remarked with unsettling nonchalance.
"...That is surreal. Truly."
I struggled to recall if I’d ever encountered a situation quite like this—a ghost presenting her own skull. Was this some variation of the dullahan myth, where the knight carries their own head?
"You say that, but what do you expect? Should I be in a state of shock, Big Brother Yuki?"
"No, your reaction is fine for you, but try to imagine this scene from anyone else's perspective."
Hivia tilted her head, her gaze drifting upward as she processed the thought.
"...I see. It is a bit... awkward. Surreal, as you said. I take your point."
"Good."
"But in a case like this, is there a 'correct' way to act? Should I be more demure?"
"It’s not about being demure. It’s just that people don't usually go around flaunting human remains. I see them often enough for work, but I don't think anyone looks at a corpse as a hobby."
Well, I knew there were people in the world with such macabre tastes, but they were usually the type you didn't want to associate with.
"Fair point. I'll refrain from showing the others."
"That would be for the best. Now, I heard Agil’s report, but am I correct in assuming there were no other traces left at the site?"
"None. I mean, there were some slight depressions in the earth, but the undergrowth is so thick that it’s impossible to tell if they’re man-made or natural. We could probably find more if we cleared the area, but that would change the environment and take too much time, so we’ve put it on the back burner. If you want us to prioritize it, we can head back?"
"No, I’ll leave that to your judgment. The problem is the other members..."
"I wouldn't recommend telling them," Comet interjected. "Your wives are kind-hearted. They’d only worry themselves sick over it."
She was right. If they knew we were carrying remains but hadn't thoroughly scoured the area, they wouldn't be happy. They might not complain openly, but the dissatisfaction would simmer. While keeping secrets carried its own risks, now wasn't the time to disturb their peace, especially with the preparations for the student exchange program in full swing.
"Understood. We'll frame it as having found the remains on your way back. Give the full report once you've returned."
"Got it. We'll keep our stories straight."
"Leave it to us!"
"I’m glad you two are in high spirits. How are Deryu and Noriko holding up?"
The response from the other two came almost instantly.
"Indeed. My condition is perfectly normal. There are no issues," Deryu stated firmly.
"I'm fine too. Physically, at least," Noriko added.
"What’s that supposed to mean? Is there some other problem, Noriko?"
"It’s just... there’s nothing but green as far as the eye can see. It’s exhausting. To put it bluntly, I’m bored."
"What do you think an investigation is? Besides, aren't you a manga artist? You should be used to tedious, repetitive work."
"There’s a world of difference between a labor of love and being an escort. That said, I am finding some enjoyment in it. I’ve been taking plenty of photos."
"Just don't get in their way. Deryu, if she becomes a nuisance, feel free to toss her aside."
"I would like to agree, but I fear I cannot. Even if I left Noriko to her own devices, I doubt she would die—but everything around her certainly would."
"Could you please stop treating me like a monster?" Noriko huffed.
"You have the power of instant death; what do you expect? Regardless, if Noriko loses control, it’ll be a pain to stop her, so make sure you all come back in one piece."
"Wow, my treatment here is really bottom-tier, isn't it?"
"What, would you prefer I used a holy seal to help you pass on?"
"Tch. I'm definitely coming back just to spite you."
"It is good to see her so energetic," Deryu remarked, her tone suggesting a weary smile.
I suddenly remembered another point of concern.
"By the way, Deryu. Have you encountered any combat during the trek so far?"
"Hm? Now that you mention it, we haven't run into anything. Comet, Agil, isn't that strange?"
"Not necessarily," Comet replied. "We know that higher-level monsters dwell deeper in the forest, and creatures of that caliber aren't exactly easy to stumble upon."
"It's likely a matter of territory," Hivia added. "We're conducting this survey precisely because we don't know where those lines are drawn."
"If that's the case, isn't there a chance the area you're in right now is someone's territory?"
"It's possible, but it might not be a vital area. It could be a neutral buffer zone where the boundaries of apex predators overlap, leaving a hollow silence in their wake."
"Ah, I see. That makes sense."
A "no-man's land" of sorts. A place left untouched because entering it risked a confrontation with another powerful entity. It seemed the route they were currently surveying might just be one of those rare, quiet corridors.